Beginning Teacher Assistance Program

PURPOSE: Section 168.400, RSMo, and section 168.021.1, RSMo, establish the completion of a beginning teacher assistance program (BTAP) as a requirement of certification. This rule establishes minimum requirements for an effective BTAP. A well-designed and implemented BTAP with ongoing support will improve practice, helping new educators have the skills and knowledge to positively impact student achievement. (1) All teachers seeking to upgrade their teaching certificate are required to complete a beginning teacher assistance program (BTAP) planned with assistance from a Missouri teacher education preparatory program and provided by an education association, regional service center, school district, or charter school. The BTAP is designed for teachers in either their first or second year of teaching. The program shall include but not be limited to the topics listed below: (A) Classroom Manager and Community Builder— 1. Classroom management techniques; 2. Time, space, transitions, and activities management; and 3. Awareness of diverse classroom, school, and community cultures; (B) Instructional Designer and Facilitator of Student Thinking and Learning— 1. Effective instruction; 2. Clear learning goals and/or objectives; 3. Student voice and choice; and 4. Teaching and learning activities with high student engagement; (C) Professional— 1. Communicates professionally— A. Effective communication with students, mentors, colleagues, and parents/guardians; B. Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques; and C. Effective use of technology and social media for communication; and 2. Understands education-related law— A. Certification requirements; B. Professional rights and responsibilities; and (D) Reflective Learner— 1. Self-assessment; and 2. Professional learning. (2) According to the Missouri Professional Learning Guidelines for Student Success, effective professional learning typically extends over a relatively long period of time, which could be six (6) to twelve (12) months or longer. This extended time allows many opportunities for the practice of new knowledge and skills, reflecting on practice, receiving support via coaching, observing other teachers, collaborating with grade-alike or content-like teachers, and making adjustments to meet the needs of students in the classroom. The professional learning program must provide ongoing support during the years of BTAP, which is defined as a minimum of quarterly meetings throughout the first and second year. AUTHORITY: sections 161.092 and 168.400, RSMo 2016, and section 168.021, RSMo Supp. 2023.* Original rule filed Oct. 31, 2016, effective June 30, 2017. Amended: Filed March 11, 2024, effective Oct. 30, 2024. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014; 168.021, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024; and 168.400, RSMo 1985, amended 1990, 2002, 2024.