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.

BEARS For Credit-Graduate Course Information

Participants have the option of receiving one (1) hour of graduate credit for attending six of the seven sessions. This is an excellent way to earn graduate credit while meeting certification requirements. You do NOT have to be enrolled as a graduate student to sign up and earn this credit.

The cost of one (1) credit hour is $93.00 total. As BEARS seminars span two (2) semesters, participants will receive a grade/credit hour during the spring semester after the completion of all sessions. An "I" grade will be issued in December, and changed at the end of the sessions in April.

BEARS sessions are scheduled closely to time constraints, so we encourage you to have all paperwork completed upon arrival at the seminar, along with a $60.00 deposit or the total fee. If the $60.00 initial payment is made, the remaining balance is due by the October session. That is the last and final date to sign up for credit or pay fees. Make all checks payable to Missouri State University.

To register please email Laura McCullough, to express your interest. She will provide you with the proper paperwork at the first seminar you attend. Laura McCullough's contact information is located below.

Contact Information

Laura McCullough
Student Services Graduate Assistant
(417)836-5253
Laura636@missouristate.edu