Teach in 12: Secondary School Education

Who is eligible for the Teach in 12 program?

UMSL’s Teach in 12 is a path to teacher certification for those who have already earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited program. Candidates must have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for undergraduate work and 3.0 for graduate work. All eligible candidates must have a passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MOCA) in their area of study: Elementary education grades 1-6, art education grades K-12, music education grades K-12, physical education grades K-12, or high school subject areas (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, social studies, English, Spanish, or French).

Can I earn a master’s degree with certification?

Yes. In addition to earning teacher certification, you can earn a Master of Education (MEd) through the program. The master’s degree requires an additional four to five courses depending on the certification area.

How do I apply?

Before applying, we encourage all prospective students to attend a Preview Night and/or meet with one of our academic advisors to gain detailed information on the program. Multiple preview nights are held throughout the spring. Information on how to apply to Teach in 12 can be found here.

Candidates should complete the following to enter the program in the fall semester:

1. Submit the one-page Teach in 12 application by July 1 and then connect with one of our dedicated Teach in 12 advisors by phone at 314-516-5937 or by email at teachin12@umsl.edu.
2. Apply to the UMSL Graduate School for admission as a teacher certification candidate. Note that official transcripts are required for every college or university you have attended.
3. Acquire and submit all documents in the 6-Step Application process, including background check, TB test, academic audit, substitute certificate, professional resume and letter of reference.

What tests do I need to take?

All candidates seeking educator certification in Missouri are required to achieve a passing score on the appropriate Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA).

Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?

No. Candidates apply through the UMSL Graduate School for admissions as a teacher certification candidate. While all transcripts are required, the GRE and GMAT are not required for this program.

What careers will the certification prepare me for?

We take great pride in preparing educators who are well experienced to affect all students in a wide variety of settings, and with a much broader understanding of education's role in society. Sought after by partner districts and agencies, many of our graduates are hired directly into the studio schools or districts where they complete their clinical experiences. In addition to becoming teachers in K-12 settings, we prepare educators for a variety of careers in a variety of contexts (i.e. youth serving organizations, museums, zoos, gardens, nature centers, after school programs, tutoring/mentoring programs, businesses, legislative offices, etc.) all of which impact student learning. We prepare community educators as well as K-12 classroom teachers who provide relevance, application and meaning to student learning in developmentally, socially and culturally responsive ways.

Are courses offered in person or online?

Most Teach in12 teacher certification courses are offered online. However, all practicum and agency field experiences take place on-site at our partner schools and agencies.

How does the student teaching practicum work?

Educator candidates complete two on-site practicum experiences within our Studio Schools, which include 36 different public, private and charter schools throughout the St. Louis region. We invite you to explore our interactive studio school map to see our many school partners. Candidates are immersed in schools where they are regarded as full members of the staff. Our expert teachers, known as clinical educators, provide candidates with support and supervision, lead seminars, give one-on-one guidance and foster partnerships for collaboration.

What is a studio school?

Studio schools are our partner schools that use the Studio School Model for clinical practice. The model utilizes a “differentiated staffing” plan where teams of candidates, clinical educators, teachers and administrators collaborate to explore, envision and enact innovative solutions that deepen learning and raise K-12 student achievement. Teacher candidates, supported by their supervisor and school site mentor, engage with students in multiple, varied and wide ranging contexts. These can include small group settings, whole class lessons, enrichment and support lessons all focused learning experiences.

How are studio schools assigned to candidates?

The Office of Clinical Experience sends all candidates a survey to complete prior to the start of the semester, asking them to rank the studio school options by preference and/or distance. Placements are ultimately assigned by factoring in the survey results and available site openings, as well as the timeframe in which practicum applications are submitted. In most instances, candidates will complete both practicum experiences at the same studio school.

How does field experience in community agencies work?

UMSL collaborates with a number of community agency partners in the region to introduce candidates to a variety of options for careers in education and to support coursework with meaningful practice, as well as introduce candidates to learning options for students outside the classroom. As a teacher candidate, you will work with youth-serving agencies to support them in non-traditional settings. You will also gain valuable practical knowledge by applying university course content to interactions with learners in agencies such the St. Louis Chess Club, Powder Valley and many United Way agencies. All teacher candidates must complete 20 hours of field experience in a community agency, but flexible hours in the day, evening and weekends are often available.