DESE Update: March 24, 2026

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 03/24/2026 03:28 PM CDT

DESE Streamlines Certification Support with New Call Center Schedule

DESE is updating Educator Certification Call Center hours effective April 15, 2026. The call center will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with email support available Monday through Friday.

Click here for the full Administrative Memo regarding the Educator Certification Call Center schedule update.

Watch the video outlining updated Educator Certification Call Center hours, effective April 15, 2026.

Cyber Corner: Stop • Think • Verify

Phishing in 2026 is smarter than ever — AI-powered scams now look polished and convincing, often mimicking trusted contacts. Before you act:

Stop: Pause before responding
Think: Watch for urgency, odd requests, or unusual links
Verify: Confirm through a trusted source Be cautious of unexpected texts or emails — don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments.

Stay protected: Use multi-factor authentication, report suspicious messages, and trust your instincts.

Click here for more cybersecurity resources.

You’re Invited: OOC Planning Sessions

Join DESE for upcoming Office of Childhood (OOC) Planning Sessions — your voice matters as we shape the future of early childhood initiatives across Missouri.

Virtual and in-person sessions are from March 26 - April 28, and can be registered for here.

Webinar: Missouri Schools — ADA Title II & Accessible PDFs

New ADA Title II updates introduce digital accessibility requirements for K–12 schools, with compliance deadlines beginning in 2026 and 2027. This webinar will cover key requirements, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, and common compliance risks, with a focus on improving PDF accessibility. Attendees will learn how to evaluate existing documents, prioritize fixes, and begin building a practical accessibility plan.

11 a.m. – noon on Thursday, March 26, 2026
Online webinar — open to anyone.

Click here to register for the Missouri Schools — ADA Title II & Accessible PDFs webinar on March 26.

Teacher of the Year: Nominate Today!

DESE is accepting nominations for Regional Teacher of the Year, now through April 14. This is the first step for an educator to become the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year program honors exceptional educators who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to students, show innovative teaching methods, and consistently display extraordinary leadership within their school district.

Click here to read the full news release regarding Teacher of the Year nominations, and to nominate an educator today!

Notice of Public Meeting | (MSIP) 6 Comprehensive Guide

DESE will hold a public meeting from 10 - 11:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026, in Columbia to review proposed updates to the MSIP 6 Comprehensive Guide for the 2026 APR and district classification. Public comment will be accepted at the meeting or submitted in writing by April 24, 2026.

When: 10 - 11:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026
Where: Columbia, MO

Click here for the full MSIP 6 Comprehensive Guide.

MOASBO 2026 Conference Registration

Registration is open for the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MOASBO) Annual Conference & Expo (April 26 – 29, 2026). The event features professional learning, networking, a keynote speaker, and vendor exhibits focused on Missouri school finance.

Both members and non-members can register for the MOASBO Annual Conference & Expo through this portal.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

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