How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi

Mississippi is a state rich and diverse in its history, culture, and educational commitments. This diversity is one of its greatest strengths as well as its consistent challenges. In an effort to streamline some of the diverse elements of the state's education programs, the state of Mississippi has spent the last several years implementing accountability standards, to ensure that every school and every classroom is held to the same high standards throughout the state. Though it has been a challenging process for Mississippi, teachers have done well with more structure and more administrative support. And where teachers thrive, students thrive. The following information concerns how to become a teacher in MS.

How to become a teacher in Mississippi - traditional route for residents

In the state of Mississippi, there are three main steps involved in the traditional route to becoming a teacher. First, a prospective teacher wondering "how do I become a teacher in MS," has to complete a bachelor's degree, usually in education and whatever subject they want to teach. Next, the teacher has to take the Praxis test, a national test accepted by most states which evaluates how qualified the teacher applicant is. Finally, after completing these two requirements, the aspiring teacher has to complete an application packet and file it with the state of Mississippi. If the application is approved, it will be good for 5 years, including the year of application.

How to become a teacher in MS - alternative route for residents

Alternative routes to teaching in Mississippi are intended for those who already have a bachelor's degree, but did not originally intend to teach, and therefore don't have the required education classes. Mississippi provides four methods for such aspiring teachers to obtain teacher certification in Mississippi:

• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Mississippi's Alternative Path to Quality Teachers
• Teach Mississippi Institute
• American Board Certification for Teacher Excellence

Any one of these programs is going to require students to take classes or training programs, to participate in a one year teaching internship, and to take the same licensure tests other teachers have to take to get a teacher certificate in Mississippi.

How to become a teacher in MS - for out-of-state teacher applicants

If a teacher is planning to move to Mississippi and wishes to become licensed there, Mississippi has a process in place for that circumstance. Mississippi recognizes certifications from other states, and will issue out-of-state teachers a license if they meet some specific requirements.

• They must go to the Mississippi Department of Education website and fill out an online application for a license or print up the application and send it in with the other required documents.
• They must send in their actual teaching license from their certifying state. Copies can't be accepted because of the high incidence of falsified copies. The MDE will return all original documents.
• They must send in sealed copies of all college transcripts.

Once these documents are received and approved, the teacher will have a 5-year reciprocity license. After 5 years, the teacher can then apply for a 5-year resident teacher license.

How do I become a teacher in Mississippi - necessary exams for residents

Teachers in Mississippi must take the Praxis exams. These exams are required by many states and the results are accepted by every state licensing board. The exams aspiring teachers take are the Praxis I, which tests on general knowledge and competence, and the Praxis II, which tests in the teacher's specific subject area.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Mississippi?

All teachers in Mississippi are required to have a bachelor's degree, and most students choose to major in education, which prepares them to pass the Praxis test and gives them the skills for classroom teaching. If a student chooses not to major in education, he or she is still responsible for acquiring the requisite number of education hours and getting enough training to pass the Praxis and succeed in the classroom. In Mississippi, if a student doesn't have those requirements as part of their bachelor's degree, they have the chance to acquire them through special training programs.

What is a teacher preparation program in Mississippi?

A teacher preparation program in Mississippi can be one of several different choices. It can be an undergraduate program for those pursuing their first bachelors' degrees, or a training program geared toward those who have already earned a master's degree but later decide they want to teach. In either case, there are education classes, supervision, and testing involved in the process.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Mississippi?

Mississippi has four different levels of certification, depending on what degree the teacher holds. Class A includes those who hold bachelors' degrees; AA, masters' degrees; AAA is specialists' licenses; and AAAA is for those who hold doctorates. Each level has slightly different renewal requirements, but each level includes requirements for continuing education hours taken over the course of the 5-year licensing period.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in MS?

The Mississippi Department of Education and the State of Mississippi provide clear and easy-to-navigate websites for further information on how to become a teacher in Mississippi.

• Mississippi Department of Education

  This site explains the legal requirements for teachers and schools throughout the state of Mississippi.

• Mississippi Department of Education Licensure Guidelines

  This page includes a downloadable booklet detailing exactly what steps an aspiring teacher must fulfill in order to teach in Mississippi.

• Teach

  This site has a list of all the schools and programs that prepare students to become teachers.