Rockhurst University’s Temporary Authorization Certification (TAC), via an M.Ed. and/or Ed.D., provides a pathway to Missouri teacher certification for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Through the TAC program administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), teachers can earn certification while working in a school district. This pathway is one of Missouri’s primary alternative teacher certification options for individuals transitioning into education.
How the Rockhurst TAC Certification Pathway Works
The Rockhurst University School of Education in Kansas City, Missouri, offers coursework for teachers seeking certification in middle, secondary, and K-12 special education through the Temporary Authorization Certification (TAC) program, a certification route administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The TAC is an agreement between the teacher, the hiring district/school, and DESE. Rockhurst supports its students at each step of this pathway to certification. A Rockhurst, Kansas City–based advisor will help students understand Missouri TAC certification requirements and develop a personalized plan of study.
Missouri TAC Certification Areas of Focus
Missouri’s Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC) teacher certification pathway includes three required components:
Required Coursework
Rockhurst education coursework provides a solid foundation in context while meeting state certification requirements. Students can apply course content directly to their teaching!
Praxis Exams
Students must pass state-required exams: one in the content area and one in pedagogy. Rockhurst coursework will provide a strong foundation for preparation.
Teaching and Mentoring experience
Students must be employed as teachers in an accredited school or district in Missouri with a TAC for a period of two years. During this time, they will also receive mentoring from their school or district.
At the end of the two-year employment and mentoring period, if coursework is complete and praxis exams are passed, educators can apply for a full Missouri teaching certificate, known as the Initial Professional Certificate.
What Can You Do With a TAC Certification?
Educators completing TAC coursework develop the skills needed to:
- Create meaningful learning experiences for students
- Adapt instruction for diverse learners
- Design curriculum and long-range instructional plans
- Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
- Use assessment strategies to measure student learning
Career Outcome
Completing TAC coursework, passing Praxis exams, and gaining two years of teaching experience allows educators to apply for Missouri’s Initial Professional Certificate, the state’s entry-level teaching license.
Missouri Coursework Requirements for TAC Certification
Missouri requires coursework in the following areas for teachers pursuing certification through the Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC). Rockhurst coursework fulfills these requirements.
I. Middle School (5–9), Secondary (9–12), and K–12 Subject Areas
- Psychology of the Exceptional Child
- Behavioral Management Techniques
- Assessment, Student Data, and Data-Based Decision Making
- Instructional Strategies and Techniques in the Content Area Specialty
- Methods of Teaching Reading at the Appropriate Level
- Psychological Development of the Child and Adolescent
- English Language Learners
- Cultural Diversity
II. Special Education, Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical K-12
- Psychology of the Exceptional Child
- Behavioral Management Techniques
- Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement (to Include Intelligence Testing)
- Transition Processes
- Methods of Teaching Students with Cross-Categorical Disabilities
- Methods of Teaching Reading
- Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities
- Methods of Teaching Mathematics
- Methods of Teaching Remedial Mathematics
- Counseling Techniques or Collaboration with Family, School, and Community
- Speech and Language Development of the Exceptional Child
- Psychological Development of the Child and Adolescent
- Cultural Diversity
Specific classes will be listed in the Graduate Course Catalog upon finalization.
Sample Courses in the TAC Certification Pathway
This course is designed to help pre-service teachers in teacher preparation programs organize an enriched learning environment and develop strategies for managing and motivating students to become better, more responsible learners.
An examination of contemporary theory, research, and practice on the nature and process of learning. The course explores the biological and cultural factors influencing the patterns of physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral development in students from early childhood through adolescence.
Students will focus on applying theory to practice in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment practices in secondary classrooms. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding, students develop a unit that includes coherence amongst standards, assessments, and instructional practices.
This course focuses on ways to individualize instruction for the diverse needs of students who have difficulty reading and understanding texts necessary for school and the enjoyment of reading. Students will review research on ways to support readers who struggle and instructional strategies to develop fluency, comprehension, and word analysis strategies, including phonics.
Additional Degree Info
This program is stackable with our Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Studies. Rockhurst students who complete the TAC coursework only require a few more classes to earn their M.Ed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC)?
The Missouri Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC) allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to teach while completing coursework toward full teacher certification.
Who qualifies for a TAC in Missouri?
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are hired by a Missouri school district and enrolled in required certification coursework.
How long does TAC certification take?
Most teachers complete TAC requirements within two years while working in a school district and completing coursework.
What happens after completing TAC coursework?
After completing required coursework, passing Praxis exams, and fulfilling the teaching experience requirement, educators can apply for a full Missouri teaching certificate, known as the Initial Professional Certificate.
Do you need a teaching degree to earn a TAC in Missouri?
No. Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field may qualify for Missouri’s Temporary Authorization Certificate if they are hired by a school district and enroll in required certification coursework.
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