{"id":3261,"date":"2026-11-09T15:38:25","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T15:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanboard.org\/blog\/?p=3261"},"modified":"2026-11-09T15:38:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T15:38:30","slug":"science-teacher-without-education-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanboard.org\/blog\/science-teacher-without-education-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"From Coach to Teacher: Kassi’s Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kassi Leslie returned to her former high school in rural Missouri to coach basketball. Then the principal asked if she\u2019d consider teaching science. Kassi had studied Allied Health and planned to become an athletic trainer. She said yes anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, she teaches sophomore Biology and works with juniors and seniors in Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, and Sports Medicine. If you\u2019re wondering how to become a science teacher without an education degree, Kassi\u2019s story shows what that transition can look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Basketball Coaching Job Opens the Door to Teaching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy journey into teaching was anything but traditional,\u201d Kassi says. \u201cIn college, I studied Allied Health with plans to attend graduate school to become an athletic trainer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019d attended. \u201cShortly after, the principal approached me about teaching science. While it wasn’t part of my original plan, I decided to take the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding Online Teacher Certification Through Her School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kassi learned about American Board<\/a>, also known as ABCTE, through her school\u2019s mentoring program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince I didn’t have a traditional education degree, I needed an alternative pathway to earn my teaching certification,\u201d she says. \u201cABCTE provided exactly what I needed. The enrollment and testing process was straightforward, and having the option to test from home was a huge convenience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Board\u2019s online teacher certification program gave Kassi a way to pursue certification with the degree she already had. Today, candidates can take American Board\u2019s Professional Teaching Knowledge exam at home or at a testing center. American Board subject exams are taken in person. See American Board\u2019s exam formats and testing options<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kassi\u2019s Study Advice for Future Teachers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe most beneficial resources for me were the practice tests and quizzes,\u201d Kassi says. \u201cThe questions were very similar in style to those on the actual exams, which helped me feel confident and prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her advice for anyone getting started is simple. \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kassi also found that what she studied mattered once she was teaching. \u201cWithout 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Keeps Kassi in the Classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe most rewarding part of teaching is building relationships with my students and witnessing those \u2018light bulb moments\u2019 when everything finally clicks,\u201d Kassi says. \u201cI love being a mentor and someone my students can count on, both inside and outside the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Kassi went back to her high school, she expected to coach basketball. She found a career she\u2019s grateful she took a chance on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cTeaching 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Start Your Own Teaching Story With American Board<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019d like to teach. Then check the certification requirements where you want to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Board\u2019s online teacher certification program lets eligible candidates study at their own pace. To see which subjects are available and what steps you\u2019ll need to take, start with your state. Find your state and explore your teacher certification options<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQ About Becoming a Science Teacher Without an Education Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can I become a science teacher in Missouri without an education degree?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. American Board is Missouri\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approved science fields include biology, chemistry, general science, and physics. You\u2019ll need a bachelor\u2019s degree in any subject from a regionally accredited college or university and must meet both program and state requirements.\u00a0Review Missouri\u2019s American Board requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which science subjects can I pursue through American Board in Missouri?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s certification subjects<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does Missouri require in addition to American Board certification?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their Initial Professional Certificate. Review Missouri\u2019s certification steps<\/a> and the state\u2019s application requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I take my American Board teacher certification exams at home?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

American Board\u2019s 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.\u00a0Check American Board\u2019s exam and scheduling information<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kassi Leslie returned to her former high school in rural Missouri to coach basketball. Then the principal asked if she\u2019d consider teaching science. Kassi had studied Allied Health and planned to become an athletic trainer. She said yes anyway. 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