MO SB455

Repeals the August 28, 2014 termination date for ABCTE (American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence) certification provisions, allowing the program to continue indefinitely.

Permits individuals to obtain an initial four-year ABCTE certificate of license to teach by completing ABCTE certification and demonstrating 60 contact hours of verified classroom or related experience, except in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education.

Requires ABCTE certificate holders to complete 30 contact hours of professional development within four years, participate in a two-year mentoring program, achieve successful performance-based evaluation, and participate in a beginning teacher assistance program to advance to a career continuous professional certificate.

Establishes that ABCTE certificate holders are exempt from teacher tenure laws and permits school districts to make independent hiring decisions for these teachers.

Requires completion of a background check as prescribed in section 168.133 for all ABCTE certificate applicants.