B.E.A.R.S., Beginning Educator Assistance, Renewal and Support, is a commitment to a comprehensive system of support for the induction and retention of educators into professional education. Provided by the Missouri State University College of Education and administered through the Institute for School Improvement, the B.E.A.R.S. program provides on-going, site-based, job-embedded, systemic professional development for beginning and career educators. Throughout the first three years of their teaching careers, educators are provided access to a number of support mechanisms.

Participants include:

• All southwest Missouri educators in their first three years of teaching
• All Missouri State teacher education graduates throughout Missouri and beyond

B.E.A.R.S. is funded by the College of Education, Institute for School Improvement, Office of Student Services, SWRPDC, as well as individual school districts that request customized programs.

Seminar Services

The BEARS Seminar Series is designed to provide beginning teachers with professional development activities pertinent to the first years in the classroom.  Topics are carefully chosen for ultimate benefit to the beginning teacher.  Activities are designed for immediate usage in the classroom and are conducted by Missouri State University Teacher Education faculty and other professionals in the field.  These seminars satisfy the MO IPC certification requirement for attending a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program.

Contact Information

Scott Fiedler
Director of Student Services - Certification Officer
(417)836-5253
scottfiedler@missouristate.edu