Choosing to become a teacher is one of the most rewarding career paths one can take. You continually have the opportunity to expand children’s minds, while having a positive impact on their lives. If you’re considering becoming a teacher in good ole Mississippi, take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to obtain your teaching license.
Mississippi Teacher Certification Requirements
Mississippi Teacher Certification Types
There are four types of Five Year Educator Licenses you can choose from via the Traditional Teacher Education Route. The Class A License is for those who have a Bachelor’s Degree and who have completed a teacher preparation program. Class AA is for those who fulfill the qualifications for the Class A License and who also have a Master’s Degree in education or their area of endorsement. The Class AAA License is for those who fulfill all the qualifications for the Class A License and who have a specialist degree in education or their endorsement area. The Class AAAA License is for those who have a Doctoral Degree in education or their area of endorsement and have fulfilled the requirements for the Class A License.
Mississippi Teacher Education
Mississippi requires its teachers to at least have a bachelor’s degree and to have graduated from a state-approved teacher preparation program.
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Mississippi Teacher Certification Exam
To receive your teaching license, you must pass the Praxis I Basic Skills Test, the Praxis II Content area exam, and the Principles of Learning and Assessment exam.
Teacher Experience
The Mississippi teacher preparation programs require you to take a practicum involving a teaching experience in a classroom setting. The required duration of your teaching experience depends on what area and grade level you want to teach.
Background Check
Mississippi doesn’t require you to have a background check to get your license, but you will need to undergo a background check when you are hired by the school system.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Mississippi Alternative Teacher Certification: Mississippi offers four alternative routes to obtaining a teaching license for those holding a Bachelor’s Degree, which includes a Master of Arts in Teaching, the American Board Certification for Teacher Excellence, the Teach Mississippi Institute and the MS Alternative Path to Quality Teachers.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Each type of teaching license is valid for five years and is renewable. To renew your Class A License, you must get certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, complete six semester hours of university or college coursework in your content area, complete 10 CEUs in your content area, or complete three semester hours of university or college coursework and five CEUs in your content area. To renew your Class AA, AAA or AAAA License, you need to become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, complete three semester hours of university or college coursework in your content area, or complete five CEUs in your content area.
- Mississippi Substitute Teaching: You do not need a license or permit to be a substitute teacher in Mississippi. Regulations for substitute teachers vary by school district, but most do require you to hold at least an Associate’s Degree.
- Reciprocity: If you are an out-of-state teacher who meets the teaching requirements in Mississippi, you can receive a five-year Reciprocity License to teach in the state. If you do not meet the requirements, you may receive a two-year non-renewable Reciprocity License that allows you to teach and fulfill the requirements for teaching in Mississippi.
Discover teacher certification programs in Mississippi that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Mississippi?
Teachers in Mississippi are responsible for effectively teaching the appropriate educational materials to their students in the classroom. To this end, teachers are expected to create lesson plans and collaborate with other teachers and faculty to create an environment that has the best interests of the students in mind. Additionally, teachers must engage the students’ families and address any behavioral issues.
Mississippi Teacher Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary information for teachers in Mississippi. Elementary school teachers in Mississippi make an average yearly salary of $42,370. Middle School teachers make an average of $42,650 a year. High school teachers in Mississippi make around $43,950 a year.
Mississippi Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in Mississippi
Teacher Certification Programs in Mississippi
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!