MOBERLY, Mo. — Moberly Area Community College (MACC) is launching a new workforce training opportunity through its Adult Education and Literacy program designed to help individuals meet Missouri certification requirements to become paraeducators or substitute teachers.
Beginning in Spring 2026, MACC will offer a Paraeducator and Substitute Teacher course at MACC–Moberly. The first cohort will meet two days per week from February through April, providing participants with the skills, knowledge, and preparation needed to pursue certification and employment in K–12 school settings.
Program administrators hope to expand the training to MACC’s other campus locations in the future, increasing access to this in-demand career pathway across the region.
“This program responds directly to the urgent need schools are facing,” said MACC President, Todd Martin. “Districts throughout Missouri are experiencing shortages of both substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, and this training creates a clear, affordable pathway for adults who want to step into those roles and make a difference in their communities.”
The state-funded program is designed to be low cost for participants and does not require previous college experience. Students may earn up to two certifications and benefit from MACC’s partnerships with local school districts, helping connect training to real employment opportunities
Coursework will focus on practical, classroom-ready skills, including lesson plan creation, classroom management, instructional strategies, special education basics, ethics and professionalism, communication, legal responsibilities, trauma-informed practices, and building positive relationships. Participants will also receive support with resume development, interview preparation, and presentation skills
Completion of the program positions graduates to pursue certification as a Missouri substitute teacher, which includes meeting requirements set by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. More information about substitute teacher certification requirements is available on the DESE website.
For many participants, the program offers more than short-term training — it provides an entry point into education careers with flexibility, stability, and opportunities for long-term professional growth.
Individuals interested in receiving updates or learning more about the Paraeducator and Substitute Teacher course may contact Karlie Noll at 660-263-4100, ext. 11382, text 660-651-1767, or email karlien@macc.edu
