Teach in Residency

Earn Your Degree While You Teach

The UMSL Teach in Residency Program is a two-year graduate-level program and apprentice pathway designed for those who wish to teach and earn their degree at the same time. Candidates earn a full teacher salary and benefits while simultaneously taking their required certification coursework at UMSL. Interested candidates must have previously completed a bachelor’s degree in any area with at least 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Program Outcome

Upon successful completion, candidates will be recommended for Missouri initial teaching certification (IPC). Once granted, this certification allows you to teach in any school district in Missouri. Candidates will also receive a nationally recognized teacher apprentice certificate.

Optional Master's Degree

Many teacher candidates also complete four additional classes to earn a Master of Education with an emphasis in Interdisciplinary Studies. Most school districts offer a salary increase for having your master's degree.

Before enrolling in the program, our advisors will assist you to:

Complete eligibility screening with a program advisor
Complete the process for becoming fully eligible, including:
- Scheduling and passing the Missouri Praxis Exam in the content area you want to teach
- Applying for and being hired as a Missouri teacher of record in your certification area at a DESE-approved school district
- Applying to the UMSL Graduate School for the UMSL Teach in Residency Program
- Applying for provisional certification from DESE

While in the program, candidates are required to:

Remain employed with their district for two years
Stay actively engaged in all courses and complete all certification requirements
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, with no course grades below a 'C'

Contact Us to Learn More

Because this program requires coordination between the candidate, the hiring district, UMSL, and DESE, several steps are needed to become fully eligible (please see the Eligibility Checklist). Your advisor will guide you through the eligibility, hiring, and certification processes. Potential candidates are encouraged to reach out to one of our advisors early in the process to discuss their plans.

START HERE