Deans and Field & Clinical Directors,
We recently received information from DESE Communications regarding COVID vaccines for EPP students. The following message is scheduled to be shared with PK-12 district leadership and other stakeholders via the weekly DESE Update (sent by email and housed at DESE Update | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (mo.gov)).
DESE continues to work to share timely information about COVID-19 with school leaders and K-12 stakeholders across the state, including answers to the many questions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. DESE was recently asked to clarify if student teachers are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1B – Tier 3 of Missouri’s vaccination plan, along with certificated educators and other school personnel. The answer: yes. Student teachers, along with contracted and other temporary employees providing services in Missouri’s public and private schools will all be eligible to receive a vaccination when Phase 1B – Tier 3 is activated. Remember, you can find out more about the vaccine availability plan, along with all other vaccine-related information, at MOStopsCOVID.com.
We appreciate your efforts to help candidates and districts understand the place of pre-service educators in the MO COVID Vaccine Plan.
Please let us know if you have questions or comments.
If you have any questions please contact OEQ-Educator Preparation at 573-751-1668.