MO HB1639

Authorizes the state board to issue initial four-year teaching certificates to individuals certified by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) who verify 60 contact hours of classroom experience (45+ hours teaching)

Requires 90 contact hours in elementary classrooms (30+ in an elementary setting) for ABCTE certification in elementary education, compared to 60 hours for other subject areas

Prohibits ABCTE certification in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education areas, except elementary education is allowed under the new 90-hour requirement

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

Applicants are responsible for all fees associated with the ABCTE program, though school districts may reimburse fees under district policy