Amid a growing teacher shortage, MSSU’s teacher education department equips future educators with real-world experience and career-ready skills before they even graduate. These opportunities empower their students with the confidence and experience needed for success.
Teacher of Record
Undergraduate students within 12 hours of completing the teacher education program may be hired by a school district on a provisional license to begin teaching at a public or accredited private school within the state of Missouri. While Teachers of Record (TORs) have a cooperating teacher, they have their own students and classroom before they graduate, getting a head start on their career.
“The program has become more common over the past few years to support districts who need a certified teacher in the classroom,” said Dr. Jeri Goswick, chair of the teacher education department. “By allowing student teachers to complete their final Professional Semester as a Teacher of Record, the school district benefits by having a provisionally certified educator in the classroom. The TOR is also compensated, often at starting teacher pay. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education allows any Missouri university to participate.”
On average, 15 to 20 MSSU students take advantage of Teacher of Record every year. Successful TORs are highly motivated and organized individuals who reflect upon their own achievements and identify areas of improvement.
“TORs are problem-solvers, able to accept and apply feedback to refine their practice,” said Dr. Jamie Foister, assistant professor of Teacher Education. “It takes a lot to take on the full responsibility of a class without the one-on-one guidance the student teaching semester offers.”
Senior Alyssa Elliot, a TOR teaching second grade in Bronaugh, finds the immersive learning experience to be extremely beneficial.
“I have learned more about how to interact with students, parents, and coworkers in the past two months than I ever have,” she says. “The teacher education department does a great job of putting students in their program into the classroom and interacting with students during observation. You have special moments with each of your kids and learn their little personalities that make you laugh even on the hardest days.”
Teachers of Record and the teacher shortage
The Teacher of Record program helps to meet the needs of the presence of certified teachers in the classroom during a teacher-shortage crisis.
Over the last 20 years, educators have reported feeling inadequate support and funding systems, leading to teachers feeling overwhelmed and future teachers less likely to pursue the profession. An increase in stress and responsibilities without additional resources and equal salary adjustments are also contributing factors. Although the teacher shortage is impacting schools nationwide, various districts in Missouri and the broader Midwest are opening teaching positions for the upcoming academic year much earlier than previous years. In some cases, openings are created mid-year.
“Today, it is much more common for student teachers to graduate in December and be hired for positions that begin the following January. For student teachers in the spring semester, it’s also become more common that districts are interviewing as early as January,” said Associate Professor Dr. Zack Rice. “While the teacher shortage is not improving as quickly as we might hope, the positive side of it is that many of our graduates are getting their pick of teaching positions due to the value they carry in the job market.”
Furthering education through graduate school
With available opportunities, many consider returning to higher education to earn a graduate degree in teaching. MSSU’s teacher education program offers a strong curriculum supported by experienced faculty who help students gain valuable practical experience through hands-on learning and effective instructional strategies.
“Education provides the necessary foundation for all other professions,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Tonya Heavin. “Individuals learn to reason, problem-solve, and make decisions that are best for them, thus providing skills for lifelong learning.”
MSSU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) offers those with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines to explore a different career. Students like Chad Randles and Melanie Hartman originally pursued very different careers. After earning her BA in Organizational Leadership, Hartman owned two small businesses and a homestead, which allowed her to raise her three children.
“I always wanted to go back to school for my master’s, but I wasn’t sure what I would study,” said the California transplant, who now resides near Stockton Lake. “When I started as a paraprofessional in early 2024, I realized how much I loved teaching. I was awarded the MoACT grant and then started school almost immediately.”
Originally from Webb City, Randles was a professional bass angler—the current Omaha, Neb. resident traveled the country fishing and representing companies in and out of the fishing industry. Part of his sponsorship duties was taking kids fishing, where he quickly realized how much he enjoyed teaching and mentoring them.
“During one of the off seasons, I began working as a teaching assistant and paraprofessional at the local elementary school, where I got firsthand experience supporting students in the classroom,” he said. “The more I worked with them, the more I felt called to make education my career. That’s when I decided to go back to school, finish my degree, and become a business teacher.”
The program has given students more confidence.
“It has given me confidence and a renewed sense of purpose as I work toward a career I am truly passionate about,” said first-year graduate student Jordan Coleman, a former marketing professional and current substitute teacher. “Most importantly, the program has affirmed my commitment to education and strengthened my ability to make a meaningful impact on students’ learning and growth.”
Teacher of Record and the MAT program are valuable opportunities for students to gain confidence, hands-on learning, and avenues to further their careers and education.
“Education is the best profession because of the relationships that we build,” said Dr. Melissa Locher, professor in the teacher education department. “As teachers we are often unaware of how much impact we have with students. Sometimes, years later, students share with us moments in the classroom that have a lasting impact on them. To be a small part of their life journey is a privilege.”
