At MACCE
Missouri Advisory Council of Certification for Educators, established within the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is composed of 25 members appointed by the State Board of Education upon the recommendation of the commissioner of education. Of the 25 members, at least 15 must be active public school classroom teachers.
Missouri NEA currently has six voting seats on MACCE. The MNEA representatives serving as of September 2025 are Dr. Alexander Tai (Columbia MNEA), Cary Sikes (Springfield NEA), Francine Hill (Francis Howell NEA), Lisa Baldwin (North Kansas City NEA), Justin Smith (North Kansas City NEA), and Leah Crawford (Ladue NEA).
MNEA Director of Professional Policy & Practice Samantha Hayes (samantha.hayes@mnea.org) also attends the meetings of MACCE. After each meeting, she writes a report and may issue alerts to staff and members about upcoming policy changes that may negatively impact educators.
Duties and Responsibilities of MACCE
1) Making recommendations for the criteria and procedures whereby the quality and effectiveness of teacher and school administrator education programs within the state shall be evaluated.
2) Making recommendations for the requirements for the certification of public school teachers and administrators.
3) Making recommendations for the standards for renewal of certificates for public school teachers and administrators using academic course work as well as other types of professional development.
4) Making recommendations concerning rules and regulations with respect to suspension and revocation of certificates of license to teach.
5) Requesting and receiving reports from committees consisting of representatives from various professional groups, qualified in respective curriculum areas and other specialized areas, to assist in the formulation of recommendations of the advisory committee to the commissioner of education with respect to certification of public school teachers and administrators.
6) Making recommendations for limiting the issuance of temporary certificates that are granted to those who do not meet the full requirements for certification.