Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Mississippi
Mississippi is often rated as having one of the worst public-school education systems in the country. They have developed a few programs to help combat this stigma. The state of Mississippi has created the Office of Early Childhood Education to better serve all children of prekindergarten age and their families. They have created policies and practices that will lead to a stronger educational experience for children, and they aim to increase demands on teachers by 2020. These initiatives have led to the prekindergarten program in Mississippi being one of the top eight programs in the country that meet national quality standards.
Mississippi Steps to Follow for Teachers
The Mississippi Department of Education is working toward changing the standards and requirements for college education to ensure all potential teachers are career ready the moment they begin teaching. They are also working toward making parents a part of the solution by taking a more proactive role in the educational lives of their children. Additionally, all children are being exposed to technology skill development at a far greater rate than in the past. Employment opportunities will continue to grow. The number of preschool jobs is expected to grow by 10% as a national average by 2026.
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
In the past, teachers did not have to possess many qualifications or pass exams to become a teacher in Mississippi. This is quickly changing as the state is demanding more from their teachers and their students. By 2020, half of all teachers must meet the new qualification standards set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education. By 2022, all teachers must meet these requirements. Such requirements for early childhood education include possession of a Pre-K/K license, a K-3 license, a K-4 license, a K-6 license or complete a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in child development. Teachers will also be required to complete the Praxis exam.
Most licenses require the completion of some college credits, an endorsement and training courses. If a teacher wishes to teach children in special education, they will require a specific special education teacher license with the same college credits and training. All teachers must also pass the National Board Five Core Propositions and Standards as established by the Department of Education and teacher preparation courses. And all teachers will be subject to a background check due to the nature of the job.
For those individuals who wish to be an assistant preschool teacher, you will require an associate’s degree in early childhood education or a similar degree. Once the new rules have gone into effect, from 2022 and beyond, the state of Mississippi may begin to require additional educational standards and training for their teachers, such as certificates. If prospective teachers have a degree in another field, they will be required to take the Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers and have a minimum of 2.75 grade point average (GPA) in their major classes and a 2.5 GPA overall. They must pass the PRAXIS exams, or they can take the Core Academic Skills for Educators test and PRAXIS exam for their area of specialty.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Mississippi uses the PRAXIS national standard tests for teacher certification. For early childhood educators the sections you will need to study and pass are: PRAXIS II: Education of Young Children and Principles of Learning and Teaching for Early Childhood. There are testing centers all around Mississippi, and you can go to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website for practice tests and other preparation material.
Luckily, there are no other tests to complete in Mississippi. However, you can earn a supplemental endorsement with your licensure by taking the appropriate PRAXIS subject assessment. There are several endorsement options which could be of help to an early childhood educator, such as: visually impaired K-12, Special Education K-12, Speech Communications, etc. You can find these on the state board of education website as part of their Guidelines for Educator Licensure.
Step 3. Get Your License
After your tests, you’ll need to actually apply for state licensure. You’ll use the Mississippi Educator Licensure Management System (MELMS) to apply and mail required documentation to the state Board of Education. The online application, or physical application if you request one, will provide you with all necessary information to help you finish this step accurately and quickly.
Step 4. Renew Your License
You may renew the lowest level of standard licenses through the completion of continuing education units (5) and semester hours that focus on job skill areas (3), or you can complete a higher amount of one or the other (10 CEUs, or 6 semester hours). You also have the option to complete the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards process (NBPTS).
The higher levels require half as much; 3 semester hours that focus on job skill areas or 5 CEUs. For these credentials you can also complete the NBPTS process.
Licensure for administrators and reinstatement of an expired license require significantly more effort.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Mississippi Programs
Mississippi is beginning to take education seriously and it has a tremendous impact on the colleges and universities in the state that offer early childhood education and education degree programs. The most prestigious colleges and universities have regional accreditation and their education programs are accredited. They also have memberships to reputable governing bodies and professional associations.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) has one of the best online graduate degree programs in the country. In 2017, they were awarded $10.6 million in funding for research. Graduates of education programs have a 97% rate of successful completion on the Praxis II exam. Over 50% of graduates work in the public-school system in Mississippi. Ole Miss has an extensive degree offering, including degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education. They also offer a number of certificate and endorsement programs for those seeking continuing education and those who do not yet meet the 2020 state requirements for teaching. For individuals who need to work while they complete their degrees, the University of Mississippi offers several reputable online degree programs.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services: MS & Dr.
General Education; Dr.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Reading Teacher Education; MS.
Special Education and Teaching; BS.
ESL Language Instructor; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
University of Mississippi - Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Teacher Education Program - The Mississippi Department of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
The School of Education - Member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University has a strong early childhood education program. Students must complete general courses before they can enroll in the program. It is possible that applicants will not be accepted. All applicants must have a 2.5 GPA from their general courses to be admitted. They must also complete specific program courses prior to being allowed to enroll into method courses. It is important to note that the early childhood education program does not lead to licensures; however, all other education degrees do. The early childhood degree is designed for individuals who wish to work outside of the education system, such as to work at daycares, corporations, and in-home care.
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; BS.
Special Education and Teaching; MS.
Accreditation By:
Mississippi Valley State University - Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Education Degrees - The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University has extensive education degree offerings. Program participants benefit from small class sizes and hands-on experience. Each program aims to prepare prospective teachers, counselors, administrators, and others to be leaders. Programs focus on practice, knowledge, research, clinical training, and technology tools. Students will be trained to work in diverse working environments due to the continuing changing cultural makeup of the country and the world. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and educational specializations. Those who participate in these programs will have exposure to international opportunities. The faculty is always dedicated to teaching participants to be knowledgeable and to be as professional as possible .
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services: MS. & Dr.
General Education; Dr. & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary and Middle School Administration; Dr.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Special Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Accreditation By:
Mississippi State University - Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Education Programs - State Department of Education of Mississippi
Education Degrees - The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Elementary Education - Association for Childhood Education International
Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Constituent Council
Special Education - Council for Exceptional Children
Jackson State University
The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Jackson State University focuses on preparing future educators to be able to work with all children regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, cultures, and ages. Graduates go on to become teachers, administrators, professors, state department employees, and consultants. This high caliber of employment is due to the stellar reputation of their elementary and early childhood education degree programs. The education department is one of the most popular degree programs at the university. The programs are dedicated to a personal approach and to actively participating in the community. The professors also advise program participants so that they are able to learn theories, become highly knowledgeable, and meet educational standards. Participants will spend time focusing on cultural influences in learning and curriculum creation.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services: MS.
General Education; Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; MS. & Dr.
Reading teacher Education; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Accreditation By:
Jackson State University - Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Education Degrees - Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Education Degrees - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Member of the Mississippi Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Alcorn State University
The School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University provides several degree programs to prepare prospective teachers for the unique and diverse environment in which they will work. The programs prepare participants to become highly qualified and to care about the well-being, health, and education of all students to be able to provide them with the greatest chance for success throughout their educational careers. The elementary education programs are centered around teaching, clinical experiences, classwork, and professionalism. All program participants will have an opportunity to be involved in internships to receive experience before degree completion.
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
Alcorn State University - Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Education Degrees - Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Mississippi teacher certification is needed to operate as a teacher in the state's K-12 education as well as discovering systems. The Mississippi Department of Education And Learning Work Environment of Instructor Licensure oversees the accreditation treatment, which is described meticulously listed below. In order to begin a profession as an educator in the state of Mississippi, people need to initially make Mississippi instructor accreditation.
If in Mississippi, the program finished need to be approved by the Mississippi Board of Education. If positioned out-of-state, the program requires to be accepted for the prep job and also licensing of teachers by that state's Board of Education and also learning. To compare essential metrics for state-approved instructor preparation programs in Mississippi, you can make use of the sortable table on our Mississippi colleges websites.
Those trying to find Mississippi instructor accreditation ought to at first pass the Practice Core Academic Abilities for Educators basic capabilities test. After completing a Mississippi trainer prep work program, the Method Ideas of Recognizing in addition to Mentor (PLT) evaluation demand to be passed; this test establishes coach skills and likewise knowledge of youngster growth. Inevitably, the content-area Subject Evaluations perfect for the high quality level( s) in addition to subject( s) to be shown have to be passed.
However, personal organization areas might require criminal history checks prior to function. When every one of the actions to Mississippi coach qualification are ended up, candidates ought to send out in their applications the complying with papers: Authorities safeguarded college records as verification of bachelor's level. Educator prep work program confirmation completed as well as likewise authorized by the program supervisor.
You must also take part in primary student mentor along with trainee mentoring prior to receiving a green five-year license.: Is there a teacher shortage in Mississippi?: Yes. According to the USA Department of Education and learning and also discovering Instructor Scarcity Locations report, various college areas in Mississippi reported basic educator scarcities and also are in need of qualified teachers for the 2019-20 school year.
Such needs for really early youth education and learning include items of a Pre-K/K certification, a K-3 certification, a K-4 permit, a K-6 certification or complete a bachelor's level with an emphasis in child improvement. Educators will certainly additionally be needed to end up the Method examination. A lot of licenses call for the verdict of some college credit ratings, a referral as well as training programs. All trainers need to likewise pass the National Board 5 Core Propositions in addition to Criteria as established by the Division of Education as well as likewise instructor preparation programs. And all trainers will certainly go through a.
This program was begun in 2008 by organization leaders in addition to structures, and likewise intends to give high-grade preparation work for very early childhood teachers. Even with the lack of state-funded preschools, an early youth teacher may still find a task at an exclusive preschool or.
To make an application for this license, potential customers require to send, together with an application, their legitimate out-of-state certificate, records, as well as additional evidence of passing a core subject examination, or else a couple of various other confirmation that their out-of-state license pleases Mississippi's demands. Individuals with legit credentials a lot less than a typical permit or qualification can get a two-year Reciprocity Permit by sending an application, the out-of-state license, as well as university transcripts. The extremely early youth program means to plan for K with 3 or K via six, along with preschool training, as well as likewise covers very early youth years special education. offers bachelor's levels in primary education and learning, very early childhood years education as well as discovering, and likewise daycare as well as also house education.
Mississippi Early Childhood Years Organization advocates for early childhood years teachers, sustains networking along with teamwork amongst extremely early childhood years specialists, as well as additional functions to boost public understanding in addition to expertise of early young people requirements, all with the purpose of offering young children the most effective opportunities. Mississippi Specialist Educators, established in 1979, is a statewide firm intending to be an option to union participation. Mississippi Organization of Educators is the state associate of the.
If in Mississippi, the program finished must be accepted by the Mississippi Board of Education As Well As Learning. If located out-of-state, the program requires to be licensed for the preparation work and licensing of instructors by that state's Board of Education and discovering. To contrast important metrics for state-approved teacher preparation work programs in Mississippi, you can make use of the sortable table on our Mississippi organizations page.
Mississippi educator certification is asked for to work as a teacher in the state's K-12 education system. The Mississippi Division of Education And Also Learning Office of Instructor Licensure manages the accreditation process, which is described very carefully below. In order to begin an occupation as an instructor in the state of Mississippi, individuals should first make Mississippi instructor certification.
To guarantee high quality in education, applicants should validate that their institution of option is certified by amongst the 6 regional accreditation firms recognized by the US Department of Education As Well As Understanding. Some establishments furthermore hold certification from the Council for the Certification of Instructor Preparation Work (CAEP). CAEP was created by the merging of the Instructor Education And Learning And Knowing Certification Council (TEAC) and the National Council for Certification of Educator Education And Learning (NCATE).
The initial action in the instructions of training certification in Mississippi is ending up the education and learning demands. Candidates looking to wind up being a teacher in Mississippi need to hold a bachelor's degree as well as complete an accepted educator prep work program at a licensed college. For a Program A permit, candidates must contend at least a 2.75 Grade Point Average in the subject location( s) for which a permit recommendation is sought.
Those looking for Mississippi instructor qualification must first pass the Practice Core Academic Abilities for Educators fundamental skills test. After finishing a Mississippi instructor preparation program, the Method Principles of Knowing as well as Mentor (PLT) test requirement to be passed; this test measures training skills as well as expertise of youngster development. Lastly, the content-area Topic Evaluations perfect for the quality degree( s) and likewise subject( s) to be shown demand to be passed.
Nonetheless, specific organization locations might ask for criminal history checks before job. When all of the actions to Mississippi training qualification are finished, candidates have to send out in their applications with the following documents: Authorities sealed university records as confirmation of bachelor's level. Teacher prep work program confirmation completed along with authorized by the program administrator.
You must likewise participate in main student teaching in addition to student mentoring before receiving an environmentally friendly five-year license.: Is there an instructor scarcity in Mississippi?: Yes. According to the US Department of Education and also learning's Trainer Scarcity Locations report, many institution areas in Mississippi reported basic teacher shortages as well as need qualified instructors for the 2019-20 academic year.
If potential trainers have a level in an extra field, they will certainly be needed to take the Mississippi Alternative Path to Excellent Quality Educators in addition to having a minimum of 2.75 grade point average( Grade Point Average) in their considerable courses as well as.
Our overview can aid you figure out the course that's right for you at any sort of factor in your occupation. Or maybe you want to learn specifically just how to continue to advance accreditation as well as obtain a suggestion in a specialized subject, or you're a teacher wishing to relocate to Mississippi from out of state as well as need to comprehend reciprocity.
You'll find all that info and also a lot more best listed below. Instructor accreditations in Mississippi are granted with the Mississippi Department of Education And Also Discovering (MDE) as well as stand for 5 years. While the majority of states require instructors to complete a background check before making accreditation, Mississippi does not. Although it is not a state demand, many college locations will definitely call for you to finish a history check prior to you can show. Added demands consist of finishing a bachelor's level and also passing certain instructor tests, which you can assess in the Pass the Mississippi Accreditation Tests section listed below. In addition to that you need to have a master's level in education and also discovering or in the subject place that you instruct.
This program permits people granted a master's degree the opportunity to concentrate their study studies on a certain interest rate area. This certification is among one of the most advanced levels of certification. To be thought about a candidate you have to have a postgraduate degree in the endorsement area you show or a doctorate of education and learning and also finding out level. You ought to likewise meet all Course A qualification requirements. Each credentials degree can be brought back by meeting certain case education as well as finding out demands. Potential customers need to furthermore complete a teacher education program. This program will be included in your degree program if your substantial education is focused. If you did not gain your level in education and also knowing, you must think about alternate accreditation choices. All education and also learning degrees and trainer prep work programs will certainly require that you.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
The salary prospective in Mississippi will continue to grow as funding becomes more available. The state is taking steps in the right direction to make the education profession on par with the rest of the country. People who work in support roles will make less than teachers. If you have a master’s degree, you will make more than someone with a bachelor’s degree. And if you wish to become a principal, you will likely require a master’s degree. Those who wish to become a professor will require a doctoral degree. Also, keep in mind that teachers who work in cities typically make more than those in rural areas, and private schools typically provide higher salaries than public schools.