Accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the online program allows candidates to work full time in a classroom while completing their coursework. Once enrolled, candidates are immediately eligible to be hired by school districts. The program is designed for working professionals, with all classes offered online and asynchronously. Students can begin at five different points throughout the year and can complete the certification in as little as one year, though most finish in 18 to 24 months.

“The teacher shortage crisis continues to impact schools across Missouri and the nation, particularly in rural communities,” said Cindy Whiston, associate professor, chair of the education department, and director of student teaching at 91ֱ��. “Our program offers schools a vital resource by enabling them to hire qualified candidates while those candidates complete their training. This helps fill classroom vacancies quickly.”

Whiston explained those enrolled in C-SC’s ALT certification program bring diverse professional experiences into education, enriching classrooms with real-world perspectives. She added that one of the aspects that makes Culver-Stockton’s program unique is faculty members’ personal connection to students.

“We combine support, along with affordability and flexibility, with the rigor needed to prepare successful educators. This program helps passionate individuals make the transition into teaching while ensuring schools receive the qualified educators they urgently need.”

Learn more about Culver-Stockton’s ALT Teacher Certification program via C-SC’s Master of Education webpage at /master-of-education/.

A breakout session is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. One session will include a poverty simulation in Dulaney Hall by Denise Damron of the United Way. Betsy Parrish will present a session about MakerSpace/project-based learning in room 302 of Henderson Hall, and a third session will be held by Kevin Hillman covering coaching and administration in room 308.

Molly Mitola, a C-SC English education alumna and school librarian, will discuss how banned books affect diversity and inclusion from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Meaders Lounge. She will repeat the session from 1 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. in room 308 of Henderson. Both of these presentations will be eligible for ACE credit for students who attend. C-SC alumnus Jesse Uhlmeyer ’03, superintendent of the Canton R-V School District, will present a tour of the community from 12:20-1 p.m. and will repeat the session from 1:00-1:55 p.m. This session will include a school bus ride around the community and surrounding rural areas to discuss different types of living conditions and home environments experienced by rural students, as well as a discussion about the importance of understanding each student’s unique home environment.

Other presentations in a second breakout session from 1 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. will include talks from Quincy Public School officials Eryn Beswick, Lisa Otten, and Marilyn Smith, who will cover employment opportunities and interviewing in Dulaney Hall. Sgt. Devon Willis of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office will deliver lockdown tips to attendees in room 302 of Henderson to prepare students for an emergency situation while they are observing or teaching in area classrooms.

Education students are encouraged to attend the entire day and will need permission from professors to miss classes and be responsible for any missed assignments.