A landmark ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝-based university is making it easier than ever for students to get the training they need for a fruitful career in education.
Founded in 1857 as a teacher education institution, Harris-Stowe State University is designated as one of two historically Black colleges and universities in Missouri.
Students within the HSSU College of Education can pursue tracks in elementary, secondary, early childhood and middle school education. Certification in mathematics, science and social studies are also available.
In December 2024, the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation awarded Harris-Stowe five-year accreditation effective through 2029, a quality assurance that legitimizes the university’s efforts to better equip aspiring teachers with the tools they need to succeed.
“We are 1 of 4 HBCUs in the nation to receive accreditation from AAQEP.,” said Derrick Mitchell, Ed.D., Assistant Dean for Harris-Stowe State University’s College of Education and a 1993 HSSU graduate.
In keeping with the school’s long-standing mission to nurture intellectual curiosity and build authentic skills, the Harris-Stowe State University education department has also recently expanded its program offerings with new certification options. A one-year dedicated accelerated certification track is now available to students who have already received a bachelor of science, bachelor of arts or associate degree and are looking to earn certification in early childhood education or elementary education.
“What’s appealing about this program is that it serves as an alternative means to certification for those students so they don’t have to go back and complete all the traditional coursework,” Mitchell said. “We’re in the process of writing an accelerated track for those who want to pursue middle school and secondary education as well.”
Another plus — because the ACT program is fully funded through a grant, there is no out-of-pocket expense for participating students.
“We currently have 13 students enrolled in the ACT program, six of whom will complete the program as part of our first cohort in the summer of 2025,” Mitchell said. “All of these students are exceeding a 3.7 grade point average.”
After graduation, all Harris-Stowe College of Education students must receive a passing score through the Missouri Educator Evaluation System before being deemed workforce-ready. Harris-Stowe also helps graduating students with job hunting, interview preparation and other supports.
The HSSU College of Education typically accommodates between 88 and 129 students each year. Mitchell and his colleague Brenda Smith, Coordinator of Field and Clinical Experiences, have been visiting local schools to generate interest in the accelerated program. As momentum grows and word of mouth spreads, he hopes enrollment will increase accordingly.
“I would love to see hundreds of students!” he said. “We’d have to find funding, but I’d love to enroll everyone who wants to attend. I think that in the days, months and years to come, we’ll see it really take off.”
For more information about the College of Education and teaching certifications at Harris-Stowe State University, please call 314.340.3366 or visit .
