2026 How to Become a History Teacher in Mississippi: Requirements & Certification

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a history teacher in Mississippi is a licensure decision, a financial decision, and a career-fit decision. You need to know which degree or alternative route qualifies you, which exams apply, how long the process may take, what Mississippi schools are hiring for, and whether the salary and working conditions match your goals.

Mississippi continues to address educator shortages across the state. Social studies is not listed as a shortage area for 2024-25, but the subject has shown positive staffing movement: the Mississippi Department of Education reported increases in social studies teachers at both the middle school level (+26) and high school level (+16) from 2022-23 to 2023-24. That makes history teaching a viable option for candidates who want to work in humanities education, civic learning, and local history instruction.

This guide explains how to become a history teacher in Mississippi, including degree requirements, traditional and alternative licensure routes, Praxis testing, reciprocity, salary expectations, financial aid options, professional development, and practical steps for choosing the right pathway.

Quick Answer: How Do You Become a History Teacher in Mississippi?

To become a history teacher in Mississippi, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved educator preparation program, student teaching or a teaching internship, passing scores on required certification exams, and a Mississippi teaching license. Candidates who already have a degree may also explore Mississippi’s alternate route options, which can lead to either a three- or five-year Alternate Route License depending on the pathway.

The best route depends on your background. Traditional undergraduate education programs work well for first-time college students. Alternate routes are usually better for career changers or degree holders who did not complete teacher preparation as undergraduates.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a History Teacher in Mississippi

Mississippi reported 2,775 teacher vacancies for the 2023-24 academic year, which was 182 more than the previous year; high school teachers accounted for the largest shortage category.
Social studies remains a popular subject among teacher candidates, showing continued interest in the field and a steady pipeline of prospective educators.
Mississippi’s teacher employment outlook is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030.
The average salary for a history teacher in Mississippi is about $56,390, although earnings vary by grade level, experience, district, and education level.
Mississippi offers support programs, including loan forgiveness and shortage-area incentives, that may help qualified teachers reduce education-related costs if they meet service requirements.

Table of Contents

What are the requirements to become a history teacher in Mississippi?
Are there grants or scholarships available for aspiring history teachers in Mississippi?
Do history teachers need special certifications in Mississippi?
Is there certification reciprocity for history teachers in Mississippi?
How much do history teachers make in Mississippi?
What career paths are available for history teachers in Mississippi?
How can history teachers incorporate local Mississippi history into the curriculum?
What professional development opportunities are available for history teachers in Mississippi?
What alternative career paths can enhance a history teacher's professional journey in Mississippi?
How can pursuing the easiest teaching degree streamline my career path as a history teacher in Mississippi?
What interdisciplinary opportunities can enhance history teaching in Mississippi?
How long does it take to become a history teacher in Mississippi?
How can collaborating with school librarians enhance history education in Mississippi?
How can diversifying my teaching credentials benefit my career in Mississippi?
Should I consider private school teaching opportunities in Mississippi?
Should I pursue dual certification in history and English?
How do certification pathways influence career advancement in Mississippi?
How can digital tools and interdisciplinary methods boost history teaching in Mississippi?
What are the best resources for history teachers in Mississippi?
Is Mississippi a good state to teach in?
What are the challenges of teaching history to students in Mississippi?
What are the initial steps to become a history teacher in Mississippi?

What are the requirements to become a history teacher in Mississippi?

Mississippi history teachers usually qualify through either a traditional educator preparation program or a non-traditional route for candidates who already hold a degree. In both cases, the goal is the same: show that you understand history or social studies content, can manage a classroom, and can teach according to Mississippi standards.

Requirement	What it means for aspiring history teachers	Best fit
Bachelor’s degree	You should complete a degree in history, social studies education, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.	First-time college students and career changers who still need a degree
Approved teacher preparation	A preparation program combines content coursework, teaching methods, classroom management, assessment, and supervised practice.	Candidates who want the most direct public school licensure route
Student teaching or internship	Supervised classroom experience gives you practice planning lessons, teaching diverse learners, and receiving feedback from mentor teachers.	All candidates seeking standard classroom readiness
Certification exams	Mississippi requires specific assessments, including content and pedagogy exams, before licensure.	Traditional and alternate route candidates
Background and documentation requirements	Applicants must submit official records and meet state eligibility requirements before receiving a license.	All licensure applicants

Many candidates complete a teacher preparation program that blends history coursework with education courses. Institutions such as the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University offer preparation options designed for future educators. Candidates who do not complete a traditional education major may consider Mississippi’s non-traditional pathways, which can lead to a three- or five-year Alternate Route License.

The state’s educator preparation data shows that from 2021 to 2022, the Mississippi Department of Education recorded 2,686 candidates enrolled in Educator Preparation Providers. Of those candidates, 1,587 used traditional pathways and 1,099 pursued alternative routes. This matters because Mississippi does not have only one pathway into the classroom; the right option depends on your prior education and timeline.

Traditional route vs. alternate route: which should you choose?

Pathway	When it makes sense	Trade-offs to consider
Traditional undergraduate teacher preparation	You are starting college or can commit to a full education program with supervised student teaching.	It may take longer, but it provides structured preparation and early field experience.
Alternate route licensure	You already have a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching without earning another full undergraduate degree.	It can be faster, but you must be ready for intensive coursework, testing, and classroom responsibilities.
Out-of-state reciprocity	You already hold a valid standard teaching license from another state.	You still need to submit Mississippi documentation and meet state review requirements.

Before enrolling, verify that the program is approved for Mississippi teacher licensure. A history degree alone may not be enough if it does not include educator preparation or if you do not complete an approved alternate route.

Are there grants or scholarships available for aspiring history teachers in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi students preparing for teaching careers may qualify for state, institutional, and federal aid. The most important point is to read the service obligation rules carefully. Some programs provide meaningful support, but they may require you to teach in Mississippi or in a qualifying school for a set period.

Program	Who it may help	Important condition
Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METPS)	High-achieving students preparing to teach through the University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University partnership	Recipients must commit to teaching in Mississippi for five years after graduation.
Critical Shortage Area Incentives	Candidates willing to work in critical shortage areas	Benefits may include expense reimbursements or housing assistance tied to service commitments.
TEACH Grant	Students who plan to teach in high-need fields or low-income schools	Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 per year, but failure to meet service obligations can turn the grant into a loan.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)	Mississippi residents attending approved public or private non-profit two-year or four-year colleges and universities	This aid is for eligible in-state students who do not already receive federal need-based aid.
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)	High-achieving high school students planning postsecondary study in Mississippi	Eligibility depends on academic criteria and state program rules.
Local and institutional scholarships	Education majors at Mississippi colleges and universities	Awards can range from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the school and applicant profile.

When comparing aid packages, do not look only at the award amount. Ask whether the funding is renewable, whether it covers tuition only or other costs, and what happens if you change majors or leave a qualifying teaching position early.

Students comparing licensure systems in other states may also find it useful to review resources such as the Oklahoma teacher certification test, especially if they are deciding whether to teach in Mississippi or relocate later.

Do history teachers need special certifications in Mississippi?

Mississippi history teachers need the appropriate state teaching license and subject-area authorization. The required testing sequence depends on the candidate’s route, grade level, and endorsement area, but most candidates should expect to complete exams that measure basic skills, subject knowledge, and teaching practice.

Praxis CORE: This assessment measures reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Candidates must pass the required sections unless they qualify through an alternative standard, such as an ACT/SAT score of 21 or higher or a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Praxis Subject Area Test: This exam checks whether the candidate has the social studies or history content knowledge needed to teach the subject responsibly.
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): The PLT evaluates knowledge of instructional methods, student development, assessment, and learning theory.
Foundations of Reading Assessment: This assessment applies only to candidates seeking Elementary or Special Education endorsements.

After completing the required exams and teacher preparation requirements, candidates complete a one-year teaching internship before earning a standard teaching license, which is valid for five years.

Social studies was the second most popular subject among admitted educator candidates in Mississippi during the 2021-22 school year, with 484 candidates entering the field. That interest is encouraging, but candidates should still make sure their program aligns with the specific grade band and endorsement they want.

Certification checklist for Mississippi history teacher candidates

Choose the grade level you want to teach, such as middle school or high school social studies/history.
Confirm that your degree or preparation program is accepted for Mississippi licensure.
Complete required field experiences or student teaching.
Register for the correct Praxis exams based on your route and endorsement.
Submit official documentation to the Mississippi Department of Education.
Complete the internship or induction requirements attached to your license type.

Is there certification reciprocity for history teachers in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi offers certification reciprocity for teachers who already hold a valid standard license from another state. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, a standard Five-Year Reciprocity License applies to an eligible teacher with a valid standard out-of-state license within 21 days of receiving a completed application.

Out-of-state history teachers should prepare the following items before applying:

Degree documentation: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, preferably with preparation in history, social studies, or a related field.
Teacher preparation evidence: Mississippi may review whether the applicant completed a state-approved teacher preparation program that included pedagogy and clinical practice.
License and records: Applicants must submit official transcripts, a copy of a valid standard teaching license issued by another state, and a Verification of Lawful Presence form.
Background check: A criminal background check is required for applicants seeking Mississippi educator licensure.

Reciprocity can shorten the transition for licensed teachers, but it is not the same as automatic employment. Districts may still evaluate your experience, subject endorsement, classroom fit, and ability to teach Mississippi’s social studies standards.

How much do history teachers make in Mississippi?

The average annual salary for a history teacher in Mississippi is approximately $56,390, with reported earnings ranging from $44,500 to $71,030. Pay depends on grade level, years of experience, district salary schedules, advanced degrees, and whether the role is in K-12 education or higher education.

Role or level	Entry-level wage	Average wage	Experienced wage
Middle school teachers	$40,820	$49,910	$54,390
High school teachers	$41,620	$52,220	$57,450
History professors in higher education	$42,920	$66,240	$77,730

Education level matters. Teachers with graduate credentials may qualify for higher pay lanes or leadership opportunities depending on district policies. For educators considering long-term academic or administrative advancement, it may be useful to compare graduate-level outcomes and a doctorate in education salary.

Employer type also matters. Public school positions may offer structured salary schedules, benefits, and retirement plans, while private schools may offer different compensation models and more flexible hiring practices. Location can also affect earnings, as urban districts may pay differently from rural districts because of cost of living and staffing needs.

Prospective teachers should view salary in context. The National Education Association (2024) ranks Mississippi among the lowest states for teacher pay. Mississippi First reported that many educators face financial strain, including difficulty affording medical care (42.4%), housing (29.6%), transportation (28%), and food (27.3%). These pressures can influence retention, second-job decisions, and long-term career satisfaction. Nationwide, 8% of teachers had already changed schools, and another 8% had left the profession entirely.

This chart illustrates teachers' mobility in the nation.

What career paths are available for history teachers in Mississippi?

A Mississippi history teaching license can lead to several career directions. Some educators stay in the classroom and advance through mentoring, department leadership, or curriculum work. Others move into higher education, museums, archives, nonprofit education, or administration.

Career path	Typical preparation	Why it may appeal to history teachers
Middle or high school history/social studies teacher	Bachelor’s degree, teacher preparation, Mississippi license	Direct classroom impact, steady school-year structure, and opportunities to teach civic and historical thinking
Community college instructor	Often a master’s degree	Teaching introductory history courses to adult and traditional college students
University faculty member	Typically a Ph.D.	Advanced teaching, research, publication, and specialized scholarship
Curriculum coordinator or department head	Teaching experience and often additional leadership preparation	Influence over curriculum design, assessment, and instructional quality
Museum, archive, or nonprofit educator	History expertise, public education skills, and sometimes graduate training	Public history, preservation, community programs, and primary source education

Examples of employers and institutions that may connect to these paths include Jackson Public Schools, DeSoto County Schools, Hinds Community College, Mississippi Delta Community College, the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

History teachers who enjoy student support, communication, and family engagement may also explore related fields such as child development specialist careers. Postsecondary history teachers nationwide have an average salary of $93,120, but alternative careers vary widely in pay, education requirements, and daily responsibilities.

This chart differentiates the average incomes of teachers according to the grade level.

How can history teachers incorporate local Mississippi history into the curriculum?

Mississippi history is not just an add-on to national history. It gives students a local lens for understanding civil rights, agriculture, literature, music, politics, migration, and community identity. Strong history teachers connect state and local examples to broader U.S. and world history themes.

Use museums and historic sites: The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Old Capitol Museum can help students connect classroom topics to physical places, artifacts, and public memory. Field trips and virtual tours can support lessons on civil rights, government, Reconstruction, and state history.
Teach with primary sources: Documents, photographs, oral histories, letters, maps, and legal records from Mississippi collections help students practice sourcing, contextualization, and evidence-based argumentation.
Connect local figures to larger movements: Lessons on Medgar Evers or William Faulkner can open discussions about civil rights, literature, public voice, race, power, and regional identity.
Bring culture into historical analysis: Delta Blues, storytelling traditions, foodways, and local folklore can help students see how history shapes cultural expression.
Assign community history projects: Students can interview elders, research local landmarks, analyze cemetery records, or create exhibits about their county or town.
Discuss difficult history with structure: Topics such as desegregation, civil rights activism, labor, poverty, and agriculture require clear learning goals, respectful discussion norms, and strong source selection.

Local-history teaching also helps new educators create meaningful lessons without relying only on expensive commercial materials. Candidates trying to reduce preparation costs can compare options such as the cheapest way to get teaching credential in Mississippi while still focusing on classroom quality and licensure requirements.

What professional development opportunities are available for history teachers in Mississippi?

Professional development is especially important for history teachers because standards, source collections, digital archives, and public discussions about historical interpretation continue to evolve. Mississippi educators can use state and local resources to improve both content knowledge and teaching strategy.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History workshops: MDAH offers training that can support lesson planning, classroom activities, and source-based instruction.
Networking opportunities: Events hosted by history and education organizations help teachers exchange assignments, discussion strategies, and approaches to local history.
Scholarly presentations: Presentations by historians on topics such as the Civil War and the Great Migration can help teachers update content and create stronger units.
MDAH Educator News: Subscribing can help teachers track workshops, student programs, new resources, and classroom opportunities.

The best professional development is not just attendance-based. History teachers should leave with usable materials: primary source sets, assessment rubrics, discussion protocols, project ideas, and contacts for future collaboration.

What alternative career paths can enhance a history teacher's professional journey in Mississippi?

History teachers build transferable skills in research, writing, public speaking, analysis, and community engagement. Those skills can support movement into curriculum design, educational consulting, museum education, archival work, student services, nonprofit programming, and communications roles.

Some educators also pursue a second helping profession. For example, learning how to become a speech pathologist in Mississippi can help teachers compare a different school-based career that involves student support, assessment, communication, and specialized training.

How can pursuing the easiest teaching degree streamline my career path as a history teacher in Mississippi?

The easiest teaching degree is not necessarily the shortest program on paper. For Mississippi licensure, the better question is whether the program is accredited, accepted by the state, aligned with your desired endorsement, and structured so you can complete fieldwork and exams without delays.

A simpler program can help if it removes unnecessary electives, offers clear advising, accepts transfer credits, and includes licensure preparation. However, choosing the easiest option without checking state approval is a common mistake that can cost time and money later.

What interdisciplinary opportunities can enhance history teaching in Mississippi?

History teaching becomes stronger when students analyze maps, data, speeches, art, literature, demographic patterns, and economic change together. Interdisciplinary instruction can help students understand history as evidence-based inquiry rather than memorization.

For example, teachers can use quantitative reasoning to examine population trends, voting patterns, migration, agricultural production, or economic inequality. Educators interested in strengthening this approach may compare strategies used in math education, including resources on how to become a middle school math teacher in Mississippi.

How long does it take to become a history teacher in Mississippi?

The timeline depends on your starting point. A traditional route commonly involves completing a four-year bachelor’s degree, passing required licensure exams, and finishing a teaching internship or student teaching experience. Alternate routes may be faster for candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree, but they still require testing, coursework, and supervised teaching requirements.

Starting point	Likely pathway	Key timeline factor
No bachelor’s degree yet	Traditional education degree or history/social studies preparation program	Completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree plus licensure steps
Bachelor’s degree in history or related field	Alternate route or post-baccalaureate teacher preparation	How quickly you complete required coursework, exams, and internship expectations
Licensed teacher from another state	Reciprocity application	Documentation review and Mississippi licensure processing

For a broader timeline discussion, review this guide on becoming teacher.

How can collaborating with school librarians enhance history education in Mississippi?

School librarians can help history teachers find primary sources, local records, digital collections, research databases, and age-appropriate materials. Collaboration can also improve students’ information literacy, source evaluation, citation habits, and research confidence.

A strong teacher-librarian partnership might include a document analysis unit, a local history research project, a student exhibit, or a lesson on distinguishing scholarly sources from unreliable online material. Educators who want to understand the librarian’s role more deeply can explore how to become a school librarian in Mississippi.

How can diversifying my teaching credentials benefit my career in Mississippi?

Adding another endorsement can make a teacher more flexible in the job market, especially in districts that need educators who can cover multiple subjects or grade levels. It can also support career movement into curriculum leadership, intervention, or cross-grade teaching.

For example, teachers who add elementary preparation may gain a broader understanding of early literacy, social development, and foundational learning. If that path interests you, compare the steps for how to become an elementary school teacher in Mississippi.

Should I consider private school teaching opportunities in Mississippi?

Private schools may be worth considering if you want smaller school communities, more curricular flexibility, or a different hiring process. However, private school roles can vary significantly in pay, benefits, certification expectations, class size, and instructional autonomy.

Before accepting a role, review the school’s accreditation, curriculum expectations, contract terms, retirement benefits, and professional development support. You can also compare the private school teacher requirements in Mississippi to see how the path differs from public school licensure.

Should I pursue dual certification in history and English?

Dual certification in history and English can be valuable for teachers who enjoy reading, writing, argumentation, and document analysis. It may also make you more competitive in smaller schools where staffing flexibility matters.

The combination works well because history classes require strong literacy instruction: students must read primary sources, evaluate claims, write evidence-based arguments, and interpret complex texts. If you are considering this option, review how to become an English teacher in Mississippi before adding coursework or testing requirements.

How do certification pathways influence career advancement in Mississippi?

Your certification route can shape your first teaching position, endorsement options, advancement timeline, and eligibility for leadership roles. A traditional program may offer more built-in mentoring and field experience, while an alternate route may help degree holders enter the classroom sooner.

For long-term planning, compare license levels, endorsement rules, renewal expectations, and advanced credential options through Mississippi teacher certification types and requirements.

How can digital tools and interdisciplinary methods boost history teaching in Mississippi?

Digital tools can make history more interactive when they are used for inquiry rather than decoration. Virtual archives, interactive timelines, digitized newspapers, maps, museum collections, and student-created exhibits can help learners analyze evidence and build historical arguments.

Interdisciplinary methods also matter. Visual art, music, literature, geography, statistics, and oral history can help students understand how people experienced the past. Teachers who want to add creative methods may find it useful to compare the requirements to be an art teacher in Mississippi.

What are the best resources for history teachers in Mississippi?

Mississippi history teachers have access to state-specific resources that can strengthen classroom instruction and reduce overreliance on generic textbooks. The strongest resources help students work directly with evidence and connect state history to broader historical questions.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History: MDAH offers educator materials, digital activities, field trip options, and primary source collections.
Digital Archives: MDAH’s Digital Archives includes historical documents and photographs that teachers can use for document-based questions, research projects, and classroom discussions.
Mississippi History Day: This MDAH-sponsored program helps middle and high school students practice historical research, argumentation, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Museums and cultural institutions: The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History can support lessons through exhibits, educational materials, and field trip opportunities.
Teacher networks: Online groups, social media communities, and educator blogs can help teachers exchange lesson plans, classroom strategies, and local resource recommendations.

Looking at teacher requirements elsewhere can also help Mississippi candidates understand how licensure systems differ. For comparison, review teaching requirements Virginia and note how testing, reciprocity, and preparation rules vary by state.

Is Mississippi a good state to teach in?

Mississippi can be a meaningful place to teach, especially for educators who want to serve communities with real staffing needs and teach history in a state with deep local and national significance. At the same time, candidates should be realistic about pay, workload, funding constraints, and retention challenges.

Potential advantage	Why it matters
Ongoing teacher demand	Mississippi projects steady annual demand from 2020 to 2030, including 1,015 elementary, 480 middle, and 720 high school teachers. Colleges and universities also have about 25 annual openings for history educators.
Support initiatives	Programs such as the Mississippi Teacher Corps can support new teachers, particularly in high-need areas.
Local curriculum opportunities	History teachers can make lessons more relevant by incorporating Mississippi history, community stories, and culturally responsive materials.

Potential challenge	Why it matters
Low wages	Mississippi teacher pay is among the lowest in the country, which can affect financial stability and retention.
Funding limitations	Budget constraints may affect classroom materials, technology, professional development, and student support services.
Attrition pressure	Mississippi faces retention concerns, especially among teachers with six to 11 years of experience and educators carrying student debt.

The best answer depends on your priorities. Mississippi may be a strong fit if you value community impact, local history, and service in high-need schools. It may be a weaker fit if your top priority is maximizing salary early in your career.

What are the challenges of teaching history to students in Mississippi?

History teachers in Mississippi must teach complex material in ways that are accurate, age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with state standards. That can be demanding, particularly when the subject includes contested public debates and unequal access to resources.

Changing standards and curriculum debates: Revisions to social studies standards have raised concerns among some educators. James (2022) reported debate over changes that replaced certain historical figures and events with broader terms, which critics feared could reduce emphasis on civil rights history.
Limited classroom resources: Some schools operate with constrained budgets, which can affect textbook quality, technology access, supplemental materials, and professional development.
Wide variation in student background knowledge: Students may enter history classes with different reading levels, civic knowledge, family experiences, and exposure to historical topics. Teachers need multiple strategies for discussion, literacy support, and source analysis.
Teaching difficult history responsibly: Topics such as slavery, segregation, civil rights, race, poverty, and political conflict require careful preparation, strong classroom norms, and evidence-based instruction.

Teachers who are still comparing state licensure systems can review Washington teaching certification pathways to see how certification requirements differ outside Mississippi.

What are the initial steps to become a history teacher in Mississippi?

If you are starting from scratch, begin with the licensure pathway rather than the job search. Mississippi schools can only hire you for public school teaching roles if you meet the appropriate license and endorsement requirements.

Decide whether you want to teach middle school social studies, high school history, or another related grade band.
Choose a Mississippi-approved educator preparation program or alternate route that matches your background.
Confirm accreditation, fieldwork expectations, Praxis requirements, and transfer credit policies before enrolling.
Plan financially by comparing tuition, fees, scholarships, service obligations, and unpaid student teaching requirements.
Build classroom experience through tutoring, substitute teaching, youth programs, museum education, or volunteer work.
Prepare early for Praxis exams instead of waiting until the end of your program.
Use Mississippi history resources to build sample lessons and a teaching portfolio.

Students specifically focused on secondary education should review how to become a high school history teacher in Mississippi for grade-level guidance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Choosing a History Teacher Pathway

Mistake	Why it can hurt you	Better approach
Choosing a history major without checking licensure alignment	A content degree alone may not satisfy teacher preparation requirements.	Confirm that the program leads to Mississippi teacher licensure or pairs with an approved route.
Focusing only on tuition	Fees, exam costs, transportation, books, and unpaid fieldwork can change the real cost.	Compare total program cost and ask about scholarships, grants, and service obligations.
Assuming online programs automatically qualify	Not every online degree meets Mississippi licensure requirements.	Ask the program directly whether it is approved for Mississippi history or social studies certification.
Waiting too long to prepare for Praxis exams	Delayed testing can postpone licensure and hiring.	Build exam preparation into your program timeline.
Ignoring salary schedules and benefits	Two jobs with similar base pay may differ in retirement, health benefits, and advancement options.	Review district salary schedules, benefits, and pay lanes before accepting an offer.
Relying only on rankings or reputation	A well-known school may not be the best fit for your schedule, budget, or licensure needs.	Compare approval status, advising quality, placement support, and student teaching access.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in a Mississippi Teacher Preparation Program

Is this program approved for Mississippi teacher licensure in history or social studies?
Which Praxis exams will I need, and when should I take them?
Where do students complete student teaching or internships?
Does the program support placement in districts where I want to work?
What is the total cost after tuition, fees, books, testing, and transportation?
Can I use transfer credits or prior coursework?
What scholarships, grants, or service-based aid options are available?
How does the program support alternate route candidates or career changers?
What happens if I do not pass a required exam on the first attempt?
Does the program prepare teachers to use Mississippi primary sources and local history materials?

What History Teachers in Mississippi Say About Their Careers

History teachers often describe Mississippi classrooms as both challenging and meaningful. The strongest themes are local relevance, student connection, and the need to be resourceful when materials or funding are limited.

“Teaching Mississippi history gives students a way to understand their own communities, not just distant events. The most rewarding moments happen when students realize that national history includes places and people they know.” - Erin
“The work can be demanding, but collaboration with other educators makes a major difference. Sharing lessons, primary sources, and discussion strategies helps students see history as something alive and connected to them.” - Saul
“Local history makes the curriculum more personal. When students examine documents, stories, and events tied to Mississippi, they become better prepared to think critically about citizenship and the present.” - Jacob

Key Insights

Mississippi history teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree, approved teacher preparation, required Praxis exams, supervised teaching experience, and a state license.
Traditional programs are best for first-time college students, while alternate routes may fit degree holders who want to move into teaching more quickly.
Social studies is not listed as a 2024-25 shortage area, but Mississippi reported staffing growth in social studies at the middle (+26) and high (+16) school levels from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
Salary planning is essential. The average history teacher salary in Mississippi is about $56,390, but pay varies by grade level, experience, district, and advanced credentials.
Financial aid can help, but programs such as METPS, shortage-area incentives, and the TEACH Grant may include service obligations that must be understood before accepting funds.
Local Mississippi history is a major instructional advantage. Museums, archives, oral histories, and primary sources can make lessons more relevant and rigorous.
Before enrolling in any program, verify licensure approval, accreditation, Praxis requirements, field placement support, total cost, and whether the pathway fits your timeline.
Mississippi can be a rewarding state for mission-driven teachers, but candidates should enter with clear expectations about pay, resources, workload, and retention challenges.

References:

Ballard, T., & Breazeale, G. (2023). 2023 Eyeing the Exit: Teacher turnover and what we can do about it. Mississippi First. https://www.mississippifirst.org/blog/teachers-are-eyeing-the-exit
James, J. (2022, December 15). After a year of debate, state adopts new social studies standards. Mississippi Today. https://mississippitoday.org/2022/12/15/after-a-year-of-debate-state-adopts-new-social-studies-standards
Mississippi Department of Education. (2023). Annual EPP Teacher Preparation Performance Report. https://www.mdek12.org/sites/default/files/Offices/MDE/OA/OTL/Educator%20Preparation/2023_annual_report_redacted.pdf
Mississippi Department of Employment Security. (2024, April). Occupational Employment & Wage Estimates. Retrieved September 2024, from https://mdes.ms.gov/information-center/labor-market-information/occupational-employment-and-wages
National Education Association. (2024). Educator Pay Data. Retrieved September 2024, from https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
Vanderford, P., & Van Cleve, C. (2024, February 15). Mississippi Educator Workforce Shortages & Strategies. Mississippi Department of Education. https://www.mdek12.org/sites/default/files/documents/OETA/final_educator_workforce_shortages_and_strategies_feb_15_sbe.pdf

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a History Teacher in Mississippi

What is required to become a history teacher in Mississippi in 2026?

To become a history teacher in Mississippi in 2026, you need a bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved teacher education program, and pass the Praxis exams. You'll also need to apply for a Mississippi teaching license and complete a background check to get certified.

How do you become a certified history teacher in Mississippi in 2026?

To become a certified history teacher in Mississippi in 2026, you typically need a bachelor's degree in education or history, complete a teacher preparation program, pass the Praxis exams, and apply for a teaching license with the Mississippi Department of Education. Additional background checks may also be required.

What degree do you need to become a history teacher in Mississippi in 2026?

To become a history teacher in Mississippi in 2026, you need at least a bachelor's degree in history or a related field. Additionally, completion of a teacher preparation program is required. This may include coursework in educational psychology and instructional methods specific to history teaching.