MO HB2776

Creates a new "associate teacher certificate" pathway for elementary education teachers (grades 1-6) requiring only 60 semester hours of approved teacher preparation instead of a traditional bachelor's degree

Establishes a three-tier certification system: Tier I (4-year non-renewable), Tier II (5-year non-renewable after completing 2 years of service and passing a reading exam), and Career Continuous Professional Certificate (99-year expiration after 3 years of service and passing exit exam)

Requires school districts and charter schools to pay Tier I and Tier II associate teachers a minimum of $35,000 annually

Mandates Tier I certificate holders participate in a 2-year mentoring program and complete 30 hours of annual professional development

Allows up to 18 hours of professional development to count toward a bachelor's degree in education, and permits teachers with 2+ years of experience to bypass student teaching requirements