Pathways to Teaching
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
You don't have to figure out how to pay to become a teacher.
HMC-1 has a pathway to help you get there.
Your Future Is Already Here.
You may already have what it takes to become a teacher. HMC-1 can help you take the next step.
Earn your credentials. Gain classroom experience. Get paid. Build your future.
There’s more than one way to become a teacher. Whether you have no college experience, some college credits, a bachelor's degree, or simply need your teaching certificate, HMC-1 has a pathway designed to meet you where you are.
Para Academy
Start Your Career in Education. Make a Difference. Get Paid to Learn.
Have a passion for helping students succeed but don’t yet meet the qualifications to become a paraprofessional? The Hickman Mills C-1 School District is launching the HMC-1 Para Academy, a unique opportunity that helps aspiring educators earn the credentials needed to become a paraprofessional while starting a rewarding career in education.
Whether you’re exploring a new career path, returning to the workforce, or looking for a meaningful way to serve students, the HMC-1 Para Academy can help you take the next step.
What You Will Receive:
- Free job-training program paid for by HMC-1
- Three paid training days to complete the required coursework
- Guaranteed paraprofessional position for the 2026-2027 school year upon successful completion
- Competitive pay and benefits, including health and dental insurance
- Year-round paychecks, even when students are not in school
- Hands-on experience working directly with students
- A pathway to future career advancement, including alternative routes to teacher certification
Why Become a Paraprofessional?
Paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting student learning, assisting teachers,
building positive relationships, and helping students reach their full potential every day.
At HMC-1, you’ll be more than an employee. You’ll be part of a team committed to transforming lives and building brighter futures for students.
* Applicants must make a one-year commitment to the district.
Moreland University
Nine Months Can Change Your Career.
Have a bachelor’s degree? You could be on your way to becoming a certified teacher in as little as nine months.
Through a partnership with Moreland University, qualified candidates can complete an online teacher certification program while working as a Teacher-in-Training with HMC-1.
That means you don't have to put your career on hold to become a teacher.
You get paid. You gain classroom experience. You earn your teaching certificate.
Get Paid While You Learn
Moreland University's online Teacher Preparation Certificate Program gives you a flexible way to enter the teaching profession.
As a Teacher-in-Training, you’ll work in an HMC-1 classroom while completing your certification coursework online. You’ll begin earning a teacher’s salary and benefits while building the skills and experience you need to become a professional educator.
In as little as nine months, you can:
- Earn your professional teaching certificate
- Gain real classroom experience
- Earn a teacher’s salary and benefits
- Complete your coursework online
- Learn from educators around the world
- Begin building your career as an HMC-1 teacher
Your degree is already done. Now it's time to turn it into a teaching career.
Want to Go Further?
You can also add a Master of Education (M.Ed.) to your program, which requires approximately three additional months.
That means you can continue building your credentials without putting your teaching career on hold.
Learn With Educators From Around the World
Your classroom won't be the only place you learn.
Moreland University's global cohort model connects you with educators worldwide. You'll share ideas, experiences and perspectives with people preparing to make a difference in classrooms across the globe.
Learn from the world. Teach in Kansas City.
Educator Academy
Your Path to the Classroom Starts Here
Earn your bachelor’s degree. Earn your teaching certification. Become the teacher our students deserve.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to become a teacher.
The HMC-1 Educator Academy creates accessible pathways for aspiring educators who want to build their careers while making a difference in Kansas City classrooms.
Whether you have started college but haven’t yet completed your bachelor’s degree or already have significant classroom experience, the Educator Academy can help you take the next step toward becoming a certified teacher.
Two Ways to Become a Teacher
The Educator Academy offers two pathways designed to meet you where you are:
Bachelor’s Track
For aspiring educators who have started college but have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree.
Teacher Certification Pathways
For participants ready to complete their teacher preparation through either the Teacher Residency or Teacher Fellowship.
Start Your Bachelor's Degree While Working in HMC-1
Have some college credits but haven’t finished your degree? You can continue your education while working full-time in HMC-1.
Through a partnership with the University of Central Missouri, participants in the Bachelor’s Track complete coursework toward their bachelor’s degree while gaining valuable experience working in an HMC-1 school.
Teacher Residency Pathway
The Teacher Residency is designed for aspiring educators who want to learn the profession alongside an experienced teacher.
As a resident, you’ll work closely with a mentor teacher while completing coursework toward your teaching certification. You’ll have the opportunity to take what you learn and apply it in a real classroom, with support every step of the way.
Teacher Fellowship Pathway
Already have classroom experience? The Teacher Fellowship may be the right fit for you.
Unlike the Residency, Fellows step into the lead teacher role from the start. You’ll immediately make an impact in an HMC-1 classroom while completing the coursework and preparation needed to earn your teaching certification.
Fellows are employed by the school where they teach and receive a full salary and benefits while completing the fellowship.
Teach for America
Make a Difference. Build Your Career. Lead a Classroom.
Your teaching career can start here. Through Teach for America (TFA), you can step into a full-time, paid teaching role in HMC-1 while working toward your teaching certification and building the skills to become an effective educator.
As a TFA corps member, you’ll commit to two years of teaching while receiving the same salary and benefits as other first-year teachers, plus additional support, coaching, and professional development through TFA.
You won't do it alone.
You'll have a community, a coach and experienced educators in your corner every step of the way.
Two Years. A Lasting Impact.
The TFA corps is a full-time leadership opportunity for people who want to make a difference in students' lives while launching a career in education.
As a corps member, you will:
- Teach full-time in an HMC-1 classroom
- Earn the same salary and benefits as other first-year teachers
- Work toward earning your teaching certification
- Receive dedicated coaching and mentorship
- Build leadership skills inside and outside the classroom
- Become part of a national community of educators and leaders
- Have access to additional financial support opportunities, including TFA grants and scholarships
You bring your passion. TFA brings the support. Together, you can make a difference.