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Earn your Mississippi Teacher Certification!

Learn everything you need to know about Mississippi Teacher Certification.

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Mississippi Teacher Certification Requirements

To become a teacher in Mississippi, you must complete the follow steps:

Meet Education Requirements

  • To teach in Mississippi, individuals must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in teacher education from a properly accredited college or university.
  • These programs only count if they specifically lead to certification and are licensure-track programs.

Student Teaching Requirements

  • To gain licensure, all Mississippi teaching students must participate in a full-time field placement lasting one semester.
  • These usually take place during junior or senior year, after learners complete prerequisite student teaching courses.

Pass Required Exams

  • After completing a student teaching experience and graduating from a teacher education program, students must then pass a series of assessment exams. These exams measure learners’ preparedness for teaching.
  • MDE currently mandates three exams: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching, grade-level specific Praxis II Content Area, and Foundations of Reading (only required for those seeking elementary education certification).

Apply for Certification

  • Applicants must fill out their licensure request forms through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS) online. They must provide an application, plus other materials.
  • After completing all requirements and earning licensure, this initial license remains valid for five years.

Apply for Teaching Jobs

  • Once you have your teacher certification you can now start applying for jobs.
  • You can use job boards and search engines like Google to find open teacher positions in your area.

How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in Mississippi?

Initial teaching licenses issued in Mississippi remain valid for five years, during which time Continuous Learning requirements must be met in order for a renewal to be processed.

Alternative Pathways to Mississippi Teacher Certification

Completing an alternate route program is required for an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree (non-education) and would like to transition into teaching but lacks the certification or license. Currently, there are three methods to obtain certification through the Alternate Route. The Alternate Route Teacher programs are:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Teach Mississippi Institute
  • American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence

All three programs have the following components:

  • Testing
  • Training program or coursework
  • One-year teaching internship

How to Register For the Exams?

You can follow the following steps to register for your teacher certification exams:

  • Identify Your Exams: Determine the specific teacher certification exams you need to take. If you are a part of a certification program you should talk to your program advisor to determine which exams you need to take.
  • Create an Account: Visit the official testing service website and create an account.
  • Select Exam and Date: Login, choose your exam, and select a convenient test date and location.
  • Complete Registration: Follow instructions, provide necessary information, and pay exam fees online.

How To Study for Your Teacher Certification Exam(s)

To become a certified teacher you must pass your required exam(s). Luckily, we offer a wide variety of study guides to help you pass your exams and get closer to getting that teacher certificate. Our study guides offer practice questions, video lessons, quizzes and full length practice tests to ensure you are ready come test day! Our curriculum team studies all of the standards and competencies for the exams and cross-references them with the current and previous questions released by the official testing company. We then work with content and teaching experts to distill down what test-takers need to know. No matter where you are in the study guide, you can always see how the concept you are learning is aligned to the test standards.

Best Education Schools in Mississippi

  • University of Mississippi
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • Delta State University
  • William Carey University
  • Mississippi College
  • Belhaven University
  • Jackson State University
  • Mississippi State University

Mississippi Teacher Salary Information

The average Public School Teacher salary in Mississippi is $51,664 as of February 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $43,139 and $63,019.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Mississippi Teacher Certification!

More Mississippi Teacher Certification Resources

Praxis Articles

Praxis® – Questions Quick Guide https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/praxis-questions-quick-guide/

The following article will discuss the structure of Praxis® Core exams and subject assessments.

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What You Must Know About Preparing For The Praxis® https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/what-you-must-know-about-preparing-for-the-praxis/

We’ll discuss how hard it is to pass the Praxis®, we’ll help you figure out how much you should study, and finally we’ll recommend study guides and free resources to improve your score.

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Do You Know Which Praxis® Exams You Need to Take? https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/do-you-know-which-praxis-exams-you-need-to-take/

In this article, we will tell you who needs to take the Praxis® test. We will also break down the different types of tests and sort out which one to choose.

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Everything You Need To Know About Praxis® Scores https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/everything-you-need-to-know-about-praxis-scores/

In this article we will discuss what score you need to pass a Praxis® test, how long it takes to get scores, and how to interpret your score report.

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Your Praxis® Costs & Retakes Quick Guide https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/your-praxis-costs-retakes-quick-guide/

First, we’ll talk about the cost of a Praxis® test. Then we’ll discuss the number of attempts you’re allowed on the Praxis® and what happens if you fail. Finally, we’ll cover the other costs associated with taking the tests.

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How To Register For A Praxis® Exam https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/how-to-register-for-a-praxis-exam/

This article answers your questions about registering for a Praxis® exam.

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What is the Praxis®️ Test https://www.240tutoring.com/resources/what-is-the-praxis-test/

Dive deeper into what the Praxis test is, how to prepare for it, and what to expect come test day.

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50,000 Teachers passed their exam last year with the help of 240!

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Mississippi Teacher Certification FAQs

How do I become a certified teacher in Mississippi?

To qualify for teaching certification in Mississippi, applicants must complete an approved teacher preparation bachelor’s degree. They must also participate in a semester-long student teaching experience and pass all subject area, grade level, and state-specific exams (including a background check).

What tests are required for teachers in Mississippi?

To earn a Mississippi teacher certification you must earn a score of 21 or higher on the ACT or earn a passing score on the Praxis CORE exam.

Does Mississippi have a teacher shortage?

Yes. Recent data shows that schools had 5,012 vacancies among teachers, administrators and school support staff heading into the 2023-24 school year.

What is the passing score for the Praxis in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, prospective teachers must score at least a 156 on the reading subtest, a 130 on the mathematics subtest, and obtain a Praxis Core Writing score of 162.

What do you need to be a substitute teacher in Mississippi?

Most Mississippi school districts require a minimum of an associate’s degree in order to be able to substitute teach. Some mandate that substitute teachers have a bachelor’s degree.

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