Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Education
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Missouri, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Missouri
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
An applicant must demonstrate basic educational competencies prior to admission into professional teacher education programs in Missouri.
- 6
Applicants must achieve a passing score, as determined by the State Board of Education in an approved professional ed.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education • Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$35,120 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education~Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $35,120, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Missouri earn 5% below the national median of $37,120. Missouri ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$35,120Hourly estimate
$16.885% below national median
Difference: -$2,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPreschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nebraska | $50,270 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $46,570 |
| #3 | California | $45,880 |
| #4 | New York | $45,580 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $45,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $35,120 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $29,790 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $37,220 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $29,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $35,980 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Arkansas | $30,050 | Degree required | State exam required | 5 years |
| Oklahoma | $37,970 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $43,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $50,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education • Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education
205 Jefferson Street, P.O Box 480, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0423
Phone: 5737512931ext5737513847
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $77,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,170 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $86,530 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,470 | Specific course required | 4 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Missouri?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Missouri?
Missouri lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.
What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Missouri?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Missouri is $35,120. Salaries range from $28,190 (10th percentile) to $52,950 (90th percentile).
How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Missouri earn 5% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $35,120.
How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 5,980 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Missouri from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Missouri?
The licensing agency is Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education / Division of Teacher Quality & Urban Education. Review agency details at https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification.
How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.