Are you ready to make a difference in the classroom?
The Finish Line Teacher Apprenticeship pathway is for undergraduate students seeking both their bachelor's degree in education and their teacher certification in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education, or an elementary certification with a TESOL emphasis.
The Finish Line Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway is most appropriate for individuals such as paras, permanent substitutes, teacher aides, or other professionals who have regular classroom student interaction. The program integrates job-embedded learning, meaning you have the opportunity for paid experience in classroom instruction while working towards your degree and certification. You'll be paired with a building mentor to guide you through the process. In the final semester, if you have 15 credit hours or less to complete your bachelor’s degree and certification, you may seek employment as a teacher of record using a provisional certificate and complete your final Practicum as a contracted teacher.
Program Benefits
- Work and Learn Simultaneously: Gain valuable classroom experience in a student-facing role while completing your bachelor's degree.
- Paid Experience: Earn a salary while pursuing your certification, with the opportunity for pay increase as a Teacher of Record in your final semester.
- Flexible Coursework: Nearly all coursework is offered online with the exception of two in-person practicums and one short summer field experience. Early Childhood certification candidates have some in-person courses.
- Mentorship and Support: Receive guidance from school staff and ongoing support from UMSL staff throughout the program.
- Accelerated Pathway: Complete your requirements and become a certified educator in as few as six consecutive semesters.
- Financial Aid: Reduce costs through various financial aid sources available for undergraduate degree-seekers.
Candidate Progression
General Coursework and Early Clinicals
- Work in a student-facing position, such as a paraprofessional or TA, seeing the same students regularly.
- Complete online pre-Teacher Education Program and core Teacher Education Program coursework.
- Complete in-person, 20-clock-hour summer field experience.
- Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all professional coursework.
- Pass the Praxis Exam in certification area.
Practicums and Teacher of Record
- Complete Practicum I prior to your final semester.
- Once you have 15 credit hours or less remaining for your bachelor's degree and certification, you be employed as a Teacher of Record on a provisional certificate.
- It may be possible to complete both Practicum I and II as a Teacher of Record depending on course availability and employment eligibility.
- Complete Practicum II as a Teacher of Record.
- Pass MEES evaluation for state certification requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Ideally, possess close to 42 credit hours of general undergraduate studies ("Core 42"), an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, or an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above across all post-high school coursework.
- Be employed in a student-facing role, such as a paraprofessional or TA where you see the same students regularly.
- Opportunity to secure a Teacher of Record position in certification area in final semester of the program.
- Pass the ETS Praxis certification exam prior to Practicum I.
Certification Pathways Offered
Review sample degree plans and explore our teacher certification tracks below.
