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Making Learning Accessible for All Students
The federal digital accessibility deadline has been extended. Educators and school teams are making meaningful progress to ensure materials are accessible for all students. Continuing to review and update existing resources — and ensuring new content meets accessibility standards before sharing — helps create barrier-free learning and builds confidence ahead of the new deadline.
Review the updated rules accessibility rules on the federal register
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News Update: April State Board of Education Meeting Recap
The Missouri State Board of Education received a refreshed student-centered strategic plan update from DESE and approved a five-year charter application for Frontier STEM Academy – Elementary in Columbia at its April 14, 2026, meeting.
Access the full news release regarding the April State Board meeting
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Missouri Career Development & Teacher Excellence Plan Applications Due April 30
The 2026 – 27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan (Career Ladder Program) applications are due April 30, 2026.
To apply, each district must submit a new or revised District Career Ladder Plan that includes a current plan date, revised due dates, and a current approval date by the district's board of education.
Click here to learn more about the 2026 – 27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan
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Make Your First Year Count — Share Your Feedback
DESE Office of Educator Quality (OEQ) invites first-year teachers, counselors, principals, and superintendents — and their supervisors — to share their experiences through the annual First-Year Educator Survey. These insights help strengthen educator preparation and support high-quality learning for students across Missouri.
First-year educators and their supervisors are encouraged to complete the online surveys by June 5, 2026.
Access additional information on DESE’s First-Year Educator Survey
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DESE New School Counselor Institute Set for July
Registration is now open for the DESE New School Counselor Institute (NSCI), taking place July 6 – 8, 2026, at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Columbia, Missouri. This three-day institute equips new and transitioning school counselors with practical tools and strategies to succeed from day one.
Open to recent graduates, alternatively certified counselors, and those entering new roles, NSCI offers hands-on learning and meaningful connections to support a strong start in the profession.
Registration closes June 5, 2026.
Access more info and register for the New School Counselor Institute happening July 6 - 8, 2026 in Columbia
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Training Available to Support Middle, High School Readers
As reading demands grow in middle and high school, Aspire® training helps educators support student success. Through DESE’s Read, Lead, Exceed initiative, more than 900 Missouri educators have already participated at no cost this year.
Registration is open for grades 6 – 9 educators for the 2026 – 27 school year. Enrollment closes June 15, 2026.
Register and learn more about Aspire Training
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Register for DESE Literacy Summit in July
Register now for the DESE Literacy Summit, hosted by DESE’s Office of Literacy.
This two-day conference, taking place July 20 – 21, 2026, offers high-quality professional learning for K – 12 educators across all content areas.
Registration closes June 12, 2026.
Register for the Literacy Summit on July 20 – 21, 2026
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Take the Next Step with MTDS
Through the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS), programs like TeachNow are helping new educators succeed from day one. In 2022 – 23, 100% of participants who completed TeachNow and BTAP remained in the profession, with 96% reporting increased confidence in classroom management and instructional strategies.
Register for and learn more about MTDS
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Cyber Corner: Click Smart. Stay Safe.
Practice cyber safety by stopping to secure your workspace, thinking before using devices or accessing information, and verifying to protect data and report anything suspicious.
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Stop: Lock your screen when away, control physical access
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Think: Use only approved devices, follow best practices
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Verify: Protect data, and report anything suspicious
Remember: Ensure everyone uses their own badge, secure or shred sensitive documents, never use unknown USBs/devices, use unique, secure passwords, report suspicious activity immediately
Access more cybersecurity resources
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