Frequently Asked Questions
- As a new employee, what do I need for my first day?
- As a new employee, will I serve a probationary period?
- Do you keep resumes/applications on file?
- How often are DESE employees paid?
- How often do we advertise vacancies?
- If I am currently a state employee that is transferring to DESE, how much annual leave may I transfer?
- Is the Department a merit or non-merit agency?
- What benefits do you offer?
- What is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)?
- What is the difference between merit and non-merit positions?
- What is the process once I submit my resume/application?
- What is the timetable for this process?
- Who reviews my resume/application and who will interview me?
- Whom should I contact to check the status of a vacancy?
- Will I be contacted when the position I applied for is filled?
As a new employee, what do I need for my first day?
- You will need to meet with the Human Resources office to complete your employee
paperwork. - You will need to make sure you have submitted a Department employment
application and college transcripts. - I-9 Information for the Employment Eligibility Verification form. A driver’s license,
social security card, passport or appropriate visa. The Department is unable to
sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS.
As a new employee, will I serve a probationary period?
- Yes, each new employee will serve a probationary period.
- Non-exempt (support) employees serve a six-month probationary period.
- Exempt (professional) employees serve a one-year period.
Do you keep resumes/applications on file?
- No, we do not keep resumes/applications on file. It is necessary for you submit a
new resume/application for each vacancy you apply for.
How often are DESE employees paid?
- Department employees are paid bi-monthly on the 15th and the last working
day of the month.
How often do we advertise vacancies?
- The Department advertises vacancies at the end of each week. The vacancy website
is updated on Mondays.
If I am currently a state employee that is transferring to DESE, how much annual leave may I transfer?
- The Department generally accepts a maximum of 80 hours of annual leave from
another State agency. Contact Human Resources to verify acceptance.
Is the Department a merit or non-merit agency?
- The Department is a non-merit agency.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Cafeteria Plan
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS)
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Sick and Vacation Leave
- Shared Leave Program
What is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)?
- The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the
administrative arm of the State Board of Education. It is primarily a service agency
that works with educators, legislators, government agencies and citizens to
maintain a strong public education system. Through its statewide school
improvement initiatives and regulatory functions, the Department strives to assure
that all citizens have access to high-quality public education.
What is the difference between merit and non-merit positions?
- The primary difference is the selection process. Merit divisions must fill positions by
using registers provided to them by the Office of Administration. Non-merit divisions
do not work through the Office of Administration when filling positions. Some small
differences also exist in the types of Personnel Advisory appeal rights employee's
have. Classification, pay and time/leave issues are the same in both merit and non-
merit divisions.
What is the process once I submit my resume/application?
- When we receive your resume/application in our office, the hiring committee reviews
each resume/application to determine if the applicant meets the minimum
qualifications for the position. The committee then selects individuals for interviews.
Applicants are then called to schedule an interview. Once a finalist is selected,
approval from the division administrator is needed before an offer is made.
What is the timetable for this process?
- The timetable for this process depends on the hiring committee’s schedule in order
to review and schedule interviews.
Who reviews my resume/application and who will interview me?
- A committee determined by the hiring section will review and interview applicants.
Whom should I contact to check the status of a vacancy?
- You may contact Human Resources at (573) 751-9619.
Will I be contacted when the position I applied for is filled?
- No, unless you have interviewed for the position.