Bill > HB1153

This bill authorizes the state Board of Education to issue teaching certificates based on certification from Teachers for Tomorrow (an alternative teacher certification organization), alongside existing certification pathways. The bill modifies existing law to add Teachers for Tomorrow as an approved certification method, similar to the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE). Specifically, individuals can now obtain an initial four-year teaching certificate through Teachers for Tomorrow by demonstrating 60 contact hours of work with children (such as classroom teaching, substitute teaching, or paraprofessional work), with slight variations for elementary education certification. To convert this initial certificate to a career continuous professional certificate, applicants must complete 30 contact hours of professional development, complete a two-year mentoring program, achieve a successful performance-based teacher evaluation, and participate in a beginning teacher assistance program. The bill also extends a provision allowing retired educators to substitute teach without losing retirement benefits, extending the current allowance from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. This legislation aims to provide more flexible pathways to teaching certification while maintaining professional development and background check requirements.

Education, Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1153&year=2025&code=R