From Coach to Teacher: Kassi’s Story
Kassi Leslie returned to her former high school in rural Missouri to coach basketball. Then the principal asked if she’d consider teaching science. Kassi had studied Allied Health and planned to become an athletic trainer. She said yes anyway.
Today, she teaches sophomore Biology and works with juniors and seniors in Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, and Sports Medicine. If you’re wondering how to become a science teacher without an education degree, Kassi’s story shows what that transition can look like.
A Basketball Coaching Job Opens the Door to Teaching
“My journey into teaching was anything but traditional,” Kassi says. “In college, I studied Allied Health with plans to attend graduate school to become an athletic trainer.”
She had taken a few education courses and observed classrooms, but she had little teaching experience. It was coaching that brought her back to the school she’d attended. “Shortly after, the principal approached me about teaching science. While it wasn’t part of my original plan, I decided to take the opportunity.”
One of her classes now brings her original interest in athletic training into the classroom. Alongside Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Forensic Science, Kassi teaches Sports Medicine.
Finding Online Teacher Certification Through Her School
Kassi learned about American Board, also known as ABCTE, through her school’s mentoring program.
“Since I didn’t have a traditional education degree, I needed an alternative pathway to earn my teaching certification,” she says. “ABCTE provided exactly what I needed. The enrollment and testing process was straightforward, and having the option to test from home was a huge convenience.”
American Board’s online teacher certification program gave Kassi a way to pursue certification with the degree she already had. Today, candidates can take American Board’s Professional Teaching Knowledge exam at home or at a testing center. American Board subject exams are taken in person. See American Board’s exam formats and testing options.
Kassi’s Study Advice for Future Teachers
“The most beneficial resources for me were the practice tests and quizzes,” Kassi says. “The questions were very similar in style to those on the actual exams, which helped me feel confident and prepared.”
Her advice for anyone getting started is simple. “My biggest advice to current candidates is to take full advantage of the study materials provided. I truly believe those resources played a major role in my success.”
Kassi also found that what she studied mattered once she was teaching. “Without a traditional education background, my first two years were definitely a learning experience. However, the Professional Teaching Knowledge course gave me valuable strategies and insights that helped me grow as an educator.”
What Keeps Kassi in the Classroom
“The most rewarding part of teaching is building relationships with my students and witnessing those ‘light bulb moments’ when everything finally clicks,” Kassi says. “I love being a mentor and someone my students can count on, both inside and outside the classroom.”
When Kassi went back to her high school, she expected to coach basketball. She found a career she’s grateful she took a chance on.
“Teaching may not have been my original plan, but it has become a career I am incredibly grateful for. ABCTE helped make that possible, and I couldn’t be happier with where this unexpected journey has taken me.”
Start Your Own Teaching Story With American Board
Maybe you already coach, work in a school, or use science in another profession. If you want to become a teacher, start by choosing the subject and grade level you’d like to teach. Then check the certification requirements where you want to work.
American Board’s online teacher certification program lets eligible candidates study at their own pace. To see which subjects are available and what steps you’ll need to take, start with your state. Find your state and explore your teacher certification options.
FAQ About Becoming a Science Teacher Without an Education Degree
Can I become a science teacher in Missouri without an education degree?
Yes. American Board is Missouri’s longest-running alternative teacher certification program. The state has recognized the program since 2008, and more than 5,000 Missouri teachers launched their careers with American Board, utilizing their non-education degrees.
Approved science fields include biology, chemistry, general science, and physics. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a regionally accredited college or university and must meet both program and state requirements. Review Missouri’s American Board requirements.
Which science subjects can I pursue through American Board in Missouri?
Missouri lists Biology, Chemistry, General Science, and Physics among the fields it accepts through American Board. Check the available grade bands and choose the certification area that fits the classes you want to teach. Explore Missouri’s certification subjects.
What does Missouri require in addition to American Board certification?
Missouri requires documented school experience and a state fingerprint background check. The secondary pathway requires 60 qualifying contact hours. As of July 1, 2026, Missouri also requires applicants through American Board to pass the designated Praxis assessment for their certification area. Candidates apply to Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their Initial Professional Certificate. Review Missouri’s certification steps and the state’s application requirements.
Can I take my American Board teacher certification exams at home?
American Board’s Professional Teaching Knowledge exam can be taken at home through Pearson OnVUE or at a Pearson VUE testing center. American Board subject exams are taken at a testing center, but that will soon be updated to include home testing as well. Check American Board’s exam and scheduling information.
