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Northwest Missouri State University


Middle School Certification (5-9)

Alternative Certification

The Alternative Certification program is designed to prepare students to become effective classroom teachers. This two-year provisional certification program is an alternative route for candidates that have a bachelor's degree or higher in a related subject area and a desire to pursue a Missouri teacher's certification in the areas listed below.

Interested candidates may contact the department to make an appointment for an initial audit to determine viability in the program. A standard program of study consists of 23 graduate level education credit hours and subject matter coursework the candidate is found deficient in as a result of the degree audit. The total number of credit hours may not exceed 34. Students who meet the below admission requirements will teach their approved certification area in a Missouri school district. While teaching, students will be participating in courses that may be completed through on-site and online classes available at Northwest Missouri State University, Kansas City Center in Liberty, MO, St. Joseph Center, and other convenient locations based on demand. Supervision is provided for students through observations offering valuable feedback to students to become successful teachers. Completion requirements include above coursework, a passing score on the prescribed PRAXIS II exam for the certification area and a teacher work sample.

Upon completion of this program students will possess a Missouri initial teaching certificate in the respective certification area. Students may transfer 12 graduate credit hours from this program toward a master's degree. Specific options may be discussed with the Alternative Certification Director.

Middle School Certification Course Requirements

Areas of Certification
(23 graduate credit hours)*
  • Business Education
  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
Introduction to Teaching (61-614)
August of Year 1 		3 hrs
Organizing for Learning (61-615)
One night per week fall Year 1 		3 hrs
Organizing for Learning II (61-617)
One night per week spring Year 1 		3 hrs
Teaching Strategies (61-616)
Two nights per month fall/spring Year 2 		5 hrs
Issues in Education (61-649) 3 hrs
Middle School Curriculum/Methods (62-511) 3 hrs
The Middle School (61-570) 3 hrs
*Plus any additional subject coursework identified through the subject are audit

Admission Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Be employed as a teacher of record by a Missouri school district
  • Have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in the subject area or closely related field
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA overall and in the subject area
  • Interview on campus may be required

Application Process and Materials

If you meet these requirements and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact the Alternative Certification Office.

Contact

Alternative Certification
Northwest Missouri State University
St. Joseph Center
Suite 100 South
3500 N. Village Dr.
St. Joseph, MO 64506
Phone: 816.364.5000
Fax: 816.364.5010
E-mail:  altcert@nwmissouri.edu

  

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

 

 

Praxis Test Information      

Licensure Area

CDT Test Code 

PDT Test Code

Test Name

Qualifying Score
MS Business (without subject area test) 20523 Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9

160
MS Language Arts (5-9) 5049 0049 Middle School English Language Arts

163
Middle School Mathematics (5-9) N/A 0069 Middle School Mathematics

158
MS Science (5-9) N/A 0439 Middle School Science

149
MS Social Studies (5-9) 5089 0089 Middle School Social Studies

154

 

For current course offerings, times, and dates please refer to the below link. Be sure to select the correct term/trimester while searching. Type in the five digit course number without dashes into the "Course Number" square and click "Get Class Openings"

Course Offerings on CatPAWS

Please check CatPAWS frequently for updated course offering dates and times.

To fulfill all requirements for class enrollment, please register at least 3 weeks in advance. Order your books early from the Bearcat Bookstore.