A Teacher Students Remember: Abigail’s Story
Abigail Whiles remembers the teachers who made a difference in her life. When she decided to become a teacher, she wanted her students to have that same experience.
“Growing up, I had several incredible teachers who made a lasting impact on me, and I wanted to be that kind of teacher for my own students—someone they would remember and who would positively influence their lives.”
Today, Abigail serves as a Student Success Coach/Behavior Interventionist at High Pointe Elementary in Missouri. Her career has included special education, general education, and behavior support. Along the way, she earned Missouri teaching certification with help from American Board.
Her story also comes with practical teacher certification study tips. Abigail built a routine around careful reading, quizzes, flashcards, and reviewing earlier material.
From Nanny and Retail Worker to a Career in Education
“Before teaching, I worked as a nanny and held various retail positions,” Abigail says. “Eventually, I began working as a paraprofessional in a high-needs classroom, and that experience helped lead me to pursue a career in education.”
Working in a classroom gave her a chance to support students and see the work of teaching firsthand. She knew what she enjoyed most. “I chose education because of my love for children and my passion for helping others learn and grow. I love sharing knowledge, building relationships, and making a difference in students’ lives.”
Those interests have stayed with her across different grades and roles.
Choosing American Board for Missouri Teaching Certification
Abigail learned about American Board through an administrator in the district where she worked as a paraprofessional.
“I already had my bachelor’s degree in teaching from California, but I needed to obtain my Missouri teaching certification,” she explains. “When the administrator introduced me to American Board, I knew it could be a great fit.”
She chose the program for reasons many working adults consider when planning their next step. “The convenience, affordability, and flexibility of the program made it the best option for me.”
American Board’s online teacher certification program offers self-paced study materials for eligible bachelor’s degree holders. Candidates work toward the required exams and complete the licensing requirements for their state. Explore American Board’s Missouri certification pathway.
Abigail’s Teacher Certification Study Tips
“One of the most helpful parts of the program was the textbook and workbook,” Abigail says. “There was so much valuable information, and I made it a priority to thoroughly read each chapter.”
She used the materials actively. After reading a chapter, she checked what she could recall and returned to earlier topics throughout her preparation.
Read Each Chapter and Take Notes
“My best study approach was to read each chapter, take notes, highlight important information, and then complete the quizzes without using my notes.”
Abigail’s routine gave each chapter a clear sequence. She read first, recorded the points she wanted to remember, and then tested her understanding with the notes put away. People often make the mistake of rereading chapters over and over. That preparation doesn’t work as well as taking notes and then testing your recall without the notes.
Make Flashcards and Keep Reviewing
Abigail also made flashcards from the questions and answers she studied. She used them to keep earlier material fresh while moving through the program. “I highly recommend this method!” she says. “Continuously reviewing material, even from the beginning of the program, helped me retain the information and feel prepared.”
For candidates building a study plan, Abigail’s approach offers a straightforward routine:
- Read the chapter carefully.
- Take notes and highlight important information.
- Complete the chapter quiz without consulting your notes.
- Make flashcards to review the concepts you’re studying.
- Keep returning to earlier material as you move forward.
Supporting Students Across Different Classrooms
“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in several different roles,” Abigail says. “I started as a fifth-grade special education resource teacher, then moved into second-grade general education.”
Today, she focuses on helping students with needs that can affect their experience throughout the school day. “I currently work as a behavior teacher, supporting students with their social, emotional, and behavioral needs.”
Her work reflects the reasons she chose education in the first place. She wanted to build relationships, help children learn and grow, and become a positive influence students would remember.
Start Your Own Teaching Story With American Board
Abigail encourages people considering American Board to take the next step.
“My advice to anyone considering American Board is simple: If you’re thinking about it, don’t overthink it—just do it! I am so thankful I took this step, and I truly appreciate the opportunities it has brought me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it!”
If you want to become a teacher, start by exploring the subjects and grade levels available where you plan to work. American Board’s online teacher certification program lets eligible candidates prepare through self-paced study. Like Abigail, you can build a routine that helps you make steady progress.
Find out what your next step could look like. Visit AmericanBoard.org and review the certification requirements in your state.
FAQs About Teacher Certification Preparation in Missouri
What Teacher Certification Study Tips Worked for Abigail?
Abigail read each chapter, took notes, highlighted important information, and completed quizzes without her notes. She also made flashcards and continued reviewing earlier material. She credits that regular review with helping her retain information and feel prepared. American Board also provides a How-to-Study Webinar that shows teacher candidates the right path.
Can I Prepare for Teacher Certification Online Through American Board?
Yes. American Board provides online, self-paced study materials to help eligible candidates prepare for its required exams. You’ll also need to complete the testing, experience, and application requirements that apply in your state. Explore the Missouri program.
What Does Missouri Require for American Board Teacher Certification?
Candidates need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, American Board certification, a Missouri fingerprint background check, and documented qualifying school experience. Missouri also requires the designated Praxis assessment for the certification area. Elementary Education applicants must pass the required teaching reading assessment. Review Missouri DESE’s current American Board requirements.
What subjects can I teach in Missouri through American Board?
American Board certifies in elementary, biology, chemistry, physics, general science, English language arts, mathematics, and social science in Missouri. The subject list and grade bans are available here. Additionally, you can become a special education teacher in Missouri by certifying in elementary education through American Board and then taking the state special education praxis exam to add your special education endorsement.
