Future Teachers
At UMKC, getting a degree in Education provides more than just knowledge gained in a college classroom. Early in the program you'll have hands-on experience through K-12 classroom observation and interactions in the city's public schools. To align with our mission, the School of Education is focused on being a national leader in preparing exemplary teachers for urban school settings and we want the best candidates who can share in our commitment to make a positive impact in the lives of Kansas City children.
Through diverse and meaningful experiences in our nine partner school districts, you'll develop your own teaching style and learn techniques that will help you be a great teacher in any educational environment. We offer nine degree programs with more than 30 certification options for future teachers; let us help you find the right one!
Degrees
Undergraduate (for new or transfering students)
Post Bachelor's (for those who already have a degree, but want to become a teacher)
Is teaching right for you?
You are a great candidate for teaching if you...
- are interested in promoting the learning and personal development of young people
- have positive expectations of all students' abilities to learn
- are committed to bringing the best to your teaching, concentrating on quality and mastery of subject matter
- want to make a positive impact in a young person's life
The Way it Works
Once admitted to UMKC, students complete necessary pre-requisites prior to applying and entering the Professional Teacher Education (TE) program. All of our TE programs not only fulfill degree requirements, but also allow graduates to become certified to teach within the State of Missouri. These requirements involve spending time in area classrooms within our nine partner school districts to give students real experiences in addition to college classroom instruction.
First Time College Student
Are you interested in learning more about what UMKC has to offer? Schedule a campus visit by contacting the UMKC Welcome Center. You will have an opportunity to tour campus, meet with a School of Education advisor, and learn about possible scholarship opportunities.
Transfer/Post-bachelor Student
The UMKC School of Education welcomes all transfer students who are interested in pursuing their teacher certification. Prior to meeting with an academic advisor, we recommend completing a transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation allows our academic advisors to review your prior coursework in order to evaluate how courses will transfer and meet program requirements. Upon completion of that evaluation the Student Services office will call to setup an appointment to meet with an academic advisor. You can also ask us to send the information to you if you are unavailable for a face-to-face appointment.
Steps for Evaluation
1. Fill out the Request for Information/Transcript Evaluation* form with your contact information and certification interest. Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts from each institution you attended. (* requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
2. Submit the request form to the School of Education Student Services office and allow 1-2 weeks for processing. Upon completion of the evaluation, Student Services will call you to arrange an appointment with an academic advisor.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program is a new grant program authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
Maximum Academic Year Amount
- Up to $4,000
Qualifications
- Serve in a High Need Field
- Does not require financial need
- Available to Graduate Students
Application
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- UMKC TEACH Grant Application