2026 How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi – What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher?

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a teacher in Mississippi means choosing a state-regulated profession with clear degree, testing, licensure, and renewal requirements. It also means entering a school system where literacy improvement, teacher shortages, rural staffing needs, and flexible certification routes all shape hiring opportunities. In 2024, Mississippi spent approximately $11,350 per student (US Census Bureau, 2024), reflecting the state’s continued investment in public education.

This guide is for first-time college students, career changers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and current educators who want to understand how to become a licensed teacher in Mississippi. You will learn the main certification routes, degree requirements, Praxis testing expectations, renewal rules, alternative pathways, program options, financial aid considerations, and career growth opportunities. You will also find practical decision points to help you choose the route that fits your background, timeline, and teaching goals.

If you are still comparing education careers, it can also help to review career paths across the education sector before committing to a specific licensure track.

Becoming a Teacher in Mississippi Table of Contents

1. Mississippi education landscape and teacher demand
2. Education requirements for Mississippi teachers
3. Easiest education degree options in Mississippi
4. Mississippi teacher license application and renewal
5. Top education programs in Mississippi for 2026
6. Teacher job market outlook in Mississippi
7. Certification pathways and license options
8. Career advancement for Mississippi teachers
9. Digital tools and online programs for teacher growth
10. Moving from teaching to school librarianship
11. Kindergarten teacher steps and challenges
12. Private school educator expectations
13. Resources for aspiring Mississippi teachers
14. Incentives and financial aid for teachers
15. Mentorship and professional networking
16. Special education teacher certification
17. Online teacher preparation programs
18. Mississippi teacher certification tracks
19. Substitute teaching as a pathway to full-time teaching

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

To become a teacher in Mississippi, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved teacher preparation program or approved alternate route, required classroom experience such as student teaching, passing scores on required Praxis exams, and an application through Mississippi’s licensure system. A standard Mississippi teaching license is valid for five years and must be renewed through approved coursework, Continuing Education Units, National Board renewal, or other eligible renewal options.

Overview of the Education Industry in Mississippi

Mississippi’s education system is often discussed in the context of economic and social challenges, but the state has also drawn attention for measurable academic progress, especially in early literacy. For prospective teachers, this matters because Mississippi classrooms may offer both high-need teaching opportunities and a strong policy focus on student growth.

One major example is the state’s sustained emphasis on early reading. Mississippi’s early literacy efforts over the past decade have focused on helping students build strong reading ability by third grade. For future educators, this means literacy instruction, assessment, intervention, and data-informed teaching are especially important skills, even outside elementary classrooms.

The state’s progress should also be viewed alongside serious student-support challenges. Mississippi has the highest child poverty and hunger levels (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2024) and ranks second in teen births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Teachers who work in Mississippi may need strong classroom management skills, trauma-informed practices, family communication strategies, and the ability to connect students with school and community supports.

Lifting Student Achievement Through Literacy and Math Gains

For aspiring teachers, Mississippi’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results provide important context. The state was once near the bottom on many national measures, but it has moved closer to the middle on most assessments. When results are adjusted for demographics, Mississippi’s standing is even stronger. A notable example is the progress of students from low-income households: Mississippi’s fourth-grade reading performance has remained among the nation’s strongest, and fourth graders hold a second-place position in math.

How to Be a Teacher in Mississippi: Educational Requirements

Mississippi teacher certification is built around three core requirements: academic preparation, supervised teaching experience, and proof of competency through required exams or approved alternative-route steps. The exact requirements depend on whether you enter through a traditional education degree, a nontraditional route, or an endorsement pathway for a specialized teaching area.

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Mississippi teacher licensure generally starts with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree gives future teachers both general academic preparation and the subject knowledge needed to teach effectively.

If you plan to teach a specific subject, such as English, science, mathematics, or social studies, your major or coursework should align closely with that licensure area. If you want to work with younger students, an elementary education program may be more appropriate. Students comparing cost-conscious routes can review options such as the most affordable online elementary education programs while confirming that any program they choose meets Mississippi licensure expectations.

2. Approved Teacher Preparation Program

A traditional route usually includes a teacher preparation program approved by the Mississippi Department of Education or accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This requirement is important because a bachelor’s degree alone does not always provide the pedagogy, fieldwork, assessment training, and classroom practice required for licensure.

Teacher preparation programs usually combine coursework in teaching methods with supervised classroom experiences. Students study lesson planning, classroom management, child and adolescent development, differentiated instruction, assessment, and subject-specific pedagogy. Student teaching is especially important because it gives candidates supervised practice before they become the teacher of record.

3. Endorsements for Grade Levels and Subjects

Mississippi teachers must be licensed for the subjects and grade levels they teach. Some areas require additional endorsements, coursework, or testing. Early childhood education, special education, secondary content areas, and high-need subjects may have distinct requirements.

Before choosing a program, ask the school which endorsements the program prepares you for and whether the endorsement matches the Mississippi classrooms where you want to work. A mismatch can delay licensure or require extra coursework after graduation.

4. Ongoing Professional Development

Teacher preparation does not end after the first license. Mississippi educators must maintain their licenses and keep their teaching skills current. Professional learning may include district training, college coursework, workshops, seminars, Continuing Education Units, or additional degrees such as an online bachelor’s degree in elementary education for candidates still completing their initial pathway.

5. Advanced Degrees for Career Mobility

A master’s degree, education specialist degree, or doctorate is not required for every Mississippi teaching role, but advanced study can support movement into leadership, instructional coaching, administration, curriculum design, or specialized teaching positions. Before enrolling, compare cost, accreditation, state licensure alignment, salary schedule rules, and whether your district recognizes the credential for advancement.

Alternative Route to Becoming a Teacher: Teach Mississippi Institute

Mississippi recognizes that many strong teachers begin in other professions. For people who already hold a bachelor’s degree outside education, Mississippi alternative teacher certification can provide a more direct route into the classroom. One well-known pathway is the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI).

TMI is designed for candidates who have subject expertise or professional experience but did not complete a traditional education major. It can be especially relevant for career changers, professionals in high-need subject areas, and graduates who decide to teach after earning a non-education degree.

Key features of the Teach Mississippi Institute include:

1. Eligibility for non-education graduates: TMI primarily serves individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education.
2. Focused preparation: The curriculum emphasizes essential teaching skills, pedagogy, and classroom readiness rather than requiring a full second bachelor’s degree.
3. Classroom experience: Candidates receive practical exposure that helps them connect theory to daily teaching responsibilities.
4. Mentor support: Mentoring helps new teachers manage the transition into lesson planning, student engagement, assessment, and classroom routines.
5. Licensure pathway: After completing program requirements, candidates may apply for Mississippi teacher licensure through the appropriate process.
6. Continued development: New teachers are expected to keep improving through professional learning and renewal requirements.

What Is the Easiest Education Degree to Pursue in Mississippi?

The “easiest” education degree is not the same for every student. The better question is: which teacher preparation route best matches your strengths, schedule, academic background, and target classroom? For many aspiring educators, early childhood education and elementary education can feel more approachable because they focus broadly on child development, foundational literacy, numeracy, classroom routines, and general teaching methods rather than deep specialization in one secondary subject.

An associate degree in education may be useful as a starting point, especially for students who want to transfer later into a bachelor’s program. However, it usually does not qualify a candidate for full Mississippi teacher licensure by itself. A Bachelor’s in Elementary Education is more directly aligned with initial teaching goals because it can include the coursework, field experiences, and licensure preparation needed for classroom roles.

Online and accelerated formats may also make a program easier to complete logistically, especially for working adults. Still, convenience should not outweigh licensure alignment. If you are comparing flexible options, review whether a program qualifies as the easiest education degree for your goals only after confirming accreditation, field placement support, transfer credit rules, and Mississippi certification eligibility.

How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi: License Application and Renewal

A Mississippi teaching license confirms that you have met the state’s academic, professional, testing, and documentation requirements. The standard license is valid for five years, so new teachers should understand both the initial application process and the renewal process before they begin teaching.

Licensure Application Process

The Mississippi licensure process depends on your route, but most candidates will move through the same basic sequence: finish an approved education path, complete classroom practice, pass required exams, gather documentation, and submit the application.

1. Complete the right education route: Candidates may finish an approved teacher preparation bachelor’s degree or use an approved nontraditional route.
2. Complete student teaching or required classroom experience: A semester-long student teaching placement is commonly required for traditional candidates and provides supervised practice in a real classroom.
3. Pass required exams: Testing may include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators basic skills test, the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam, and the Praxis II exam aligned with the candidate’s licensure area.
4. Meet GPA expectations: Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in their endorsement subject area(s).
5. Submit the application: Candidates may submit a paper licensure application or apply online through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS).
6. Upload required documents: Documentation may include the completed paper application, institutional program verification form, and verification of lawful presence (VLP) form.

Prospective teachers must pass several required exams, including the following (ETS, 2025):

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators basic skills test
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam
• Praxis II exam that aligns with the selected licensure area(s)

Licensure Renewal Process

Mississippi teacher licensure is not a one-time task. Renewal helps ensure that educators continue developing their instructional skills and remain current with content standards, classroom practices, and professional expectations. Because the standard license is valid for five years, teachers should track renewal requirements early rather than waiting until the license is close to expiration.

1. National Board renewal option: Teachers may renew a standard educator license by completing the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards process and the National Board Certification Renewal.
2. Class A Standard License renewal: Educators may renew by completing either 6 semester credits or 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in a job/skill or content-related area.
3. License upgrade options: Teachers may be able to move to another license class by completing a graduate program or adding endorsements that require 18 credit hours of coursework or a Praxis exam.
4. Standard Class A License renewal: Renewal can be completed with 10 CEUs in the content area or with 3 semester hours of college coursework in the content area plus 5 CEUs in the same area.
5. Online renewal: Renewal can be completed through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS).
6. Reinstatement of a lapsed license: An expired license may be reinstated by completing 6 semester hours of college coursework in the content area, holding a valid out-of-state teaching license or certificate, or providing documentation from PERS for retired teachers.

List of Top Education Programs in Mississippi for 2026

The programs below represent Mississippi-based teacher preparation options and alternate routes that may help candidates prepare for licensure. Before applying, verify current admission standards, costs, accreditation status, field placement requirements, and whether the program matches your intended Mississippi license area.

1. The University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (B.A.Ed.)

The University of Mississippi offers a B.A. in Elementary Education for students preparing to teach in the elementary grades. The program blends teaching theory, content preparation, and classroom-based learning so candidates can develop practical skills in planning, instruction, assessment, and student engagement.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: English, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, foreign language, computer science
• Cost per Credit: $ 385.50 (in-state); $ 1,117.50 (out-of-state)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 124
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Mississippi College, Bachelor of Science in Education

Mississippi College offers a Bachelor of Science in Education that combines content-area study with teacher preparation. Students can explore multiple teaching areas, including pathways connected to special education career opportunities, while building classroom management, instructional planning, and assessment skills.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: elementary education, secondary education, special education, science, mathematics, early childhood care and development
• Cost: $10,123 per semester
• Required Credits to Graduate: 130+ (depending on major)
• Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

3. Mississippi State University, Bachelor of Science in Education

Mississippi State University provides Bachelor of Science in Education options through its College of Education. The programs emphasize academic preparation, teaching methods, field experiences, and professional practice for candidates preparing to work in Mississippi schools.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: elementary education, kinesiology, secondary education, English, social studies, special education, early childhood, middle school
• Cost per Credit: $150
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120+ (depending on major)
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

4. The University of Southern Mississippi, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education for students preparing to teach young learners. The program focuses on child development, instructional strategies, elementary content areas, and applied teaching experience.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: elementary education
• Cost: $4,754 per semester (in-state); $5,754 per semester (out-of-state)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 121
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

5. Alternate Route Programs – Mississippi Department of Education

The Mississippi Department of Education provides Alternate Route Programs for candidates who already hold bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields. These routes can be useful for professionals who want to teach subjects connected to their prior academic or career expertise without completing a traditional undergraduate education degree.

• Program Length: 1+ years (depending on specialization)
• Tracks/concentrations: various subject matter (i.e. biology, economics, foreign languages)
• Cost per Credit: varies depending on the program
• Required Credits to Graduate: testing and at least 60 hours of course credit
• Accreditation: offered by the Mississippi Department of Education

What is the current job market outlook for teachers in Mississippi?

Mississippi continues to need qualified teachers, particularly in districts and subject areas where staffing is difficult. Demand can vary by location, grade level, and specialization. Rural schools, high-need communities, STEM fields, language arts, and special education may present stronger hiring opportunities than more saturated areas, although candidates should always confirm openings directly with districts.

For candidates who want to improve their employment prospects, the best strategy is to align licensure with shortage needs, build classroom experience early, and consider endorsements that broaden eligibility. Those interested in language instruction can review the specific pathway for becoming an English teacher in Mississippi.

Understanding Certification Pathways and Options in Mississippi

Mississippi offers multiple certification pathways because future teachers do not all start from the same place. A high school graduate, a paraprofessional, a substitute teacher, and an engineer changing careers may each need a different route to licensure.

The traditional Standard Five-Year License is typically associated with completion of an approved teacher preparation program, required field experience, and required testing. The Alternate Route Licensure option serves candidates who already hold bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields and want to enter teaching without completing a full traditional education degree.

Mississippi may also provide entry-level or temporary options for teacher interns and candidates in specialized or high-need areas. Because each certificate type has its own requirements, candidates should compare options carefully before enrolling in coursework. For a cost-focused overview, review this guide to the types of teaching certificates in Mississippi.

What career advancement opportunities are available for teachers in Mississippi?

Teachers in Mississippi can grow their careers by adding endorsements, earning advanced degrees, developing leadership skills, or moving into specialist roles. Common advancement paths include lead teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, special education teacher, literacy specialist, assistant principal, principal, and instructional coordinator.

Specialized endorsements in areas such as special education or literacy may improve a teacher’s ability to serve high-need students and qualify for additional roles. Teachers pursuing administration or district-level leadership often consider graduate study in educational leadership, administration, curriculum, or related fields. Flexible doctoral options, including the most affordable online EdD programs, may be useful for educators comparing leadership pathways, but cost and career return should be reviewed carefully.

What digital tools and online programs can support career growth for Mississippi teachers?

Technology is now part of everyday teaching, from learning management systems and digital gradebooks to formative assessment tools, classroom communication platforms, and online professional development. Mississippi teachers who can use digital tools thoughtfully may be better prepared to personalize instruction, track student progress, collaborate with colleagues, and manage blended learning environments.

Online programs can also help teachers deepen subject knowledge or complete credentials while continuing to work. For example, teachers who want to strengthen writing, literature, communication, or content-area expertise can compare an affordable online English degree with their licensure and advancement goals.

Can teaching skills translate to a career as a school librarian in Mississippi?

Yes. Classroom teaching skills can transfer well to school librarianship because both roles require instruction, student support, organization, technology use, and literacy development. However, school librarians also need knowledge of information systems, research instruction, digital resources, collection management, and library-specific standards.

Teachers considering this transition should confirm whether they need an additional endorsement, graduate-level library coursework, or other Mississippi-specific requirements. For a focused pathway, see this guide on how to become a school librarian in Mississippi.

What are the key steps and challenges for aspiring kindergarten teachers in Mississippi?

Kindergarten teaching requires more than general classroom readiness. Teachers must understand early childhood development, foundational literacy, early numeracy, play-based learning, social-emotional development, and age-appropriate classroom management. Young learners need structured routines, movement, repetition, and patient guidance as they build school readiness skills.

Aspiring kindergarten teachers should choose programs and endorsements that align with early childhood or elementary requirements, depending on the role they want. They should also seek field placements with young children before graduation. For a detailed look at this role, review the kindergarten teacher requirements in Mississippi.

What additional standards apply to private school educators in Mississippi?

Private schools in Mississippi may set hiring expectations that differ from public school licensure rules. Some private schools prioritize state certification, while others may place more emphasis on subject expertise, teaching experience, school mission fit, religious affiliation, or specialized training.

If you want to teach in a private school, ask each employer directly about minimum degree requirements, preferred certifications, background checks, curriculum expectations, and professional development rules. For more detail, review private school teacher requirements in Mississippi.

What resources are available for aspiring teachers in Mississippi?

Aspiring teachers should use multiple resources before choosing a pathway. Start with the Mississippi Department of Education for licensure rules, approved programs, Praxis expectations, and alternate route information. Then compare college advising offices, district human resources pages, scholarship offices, and professional associations.

If your goal is elementary education, it is useful to study the specific requirements for becoming an elementary school teacher in Mississippi. Elementary preparation can involve broad coursework across reading, math, science, social studies, classroom management, and child development, so early planning matters.

What incentives and financial aid opportunities are available for teachers in Mississippi?

Teacher preparation can be expensive, but financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loan repayment options may reduce out-of-pocket costs. Availability and eligibility can change, so prospective teachers should verify each program with the official provider before making enrollment or employment decisions.

Loan Forgiveness and Loan Repayment Options

• Teacher Loan Repayment Program (TLRP): Mississippi offers loan repayment assistance to teachers who work in critical shortage areas or underserved subjects, such as math, science, and special education. Candidates should confirm current eligibility rules, service commitments, and application deadlines.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Teachers working in Mississippi public schools may qualify for the federal PSLF program if they meet federal requirements, including 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time in a public service role.

Scholarships and Grants

• Mississippi Teacher Fellowship Program: This program provides scholarships to individuals pursuing teaching degrees, especially those willing to work in underserved areas. It includes tuition coverage and a stipend for living expenses.
• TEACH Grant: Aspiring teachers who commit to teaching in low-income schools and high-need subjects can qualify for the TEACH Grant. This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year in financial assistance, which helps cover tuition.

District-Level Incentives

• Signing bonuses and stipends: Some Mississippi districts may offer signing bonuses, relocation support, or stipends for hard-to-fill roles, particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged communities. These incentives can range from a few thousand dollars to more, depending on district needs.

How can professional mentorship and networking enhance teaching careers in Mississippi?

Mentorship can make the first years of teaching more manageable. New teachers often need support with classroom routines, parent communication, pacing guides, lesson planning, grading, and student behavior. A strong mentor can help a new educator solve problems faster and avoid common first-year mistakes.

Networking also matters. Mississippi teachers can benefit from professional associations, district learning communities, subject-area groups, webinars, workshops, and peer collaboration. Educators planning academic advancement can also compare routes such as the easiest teaching degree, but should balance ease with licensure value, rigor, and long-term career fit.

What are the requirements for special education teacher certification in Mississippi?

Special education certification requires focused preparation beyond general teacher training. Candidates need coursework and field experience related to disability categories, individualized instruction, intervention strategies, inclusive classrooms, behavior supports, assessment, and legal responsibilities. They must also meet Mississippi testing and certification expectations for the special education area they plan to teach.

This pathway can be demanding, but it can also be highly meaningful for teachers who want to support students with diverse learning needs. For a role-specific explanation, review the guide to special education teacher certification in Mississippi.

Can online teacher preparation programs provide the flexibility needed to succeed in Mississippi?

Online teacher preparation can be a practical option for candidates who need flexibility because of work, family, military service, location, or transportation barriers. Strong online programs may offer virtual coursework, digital collaboration, instructor feedback, and structured assignments that fit around a busy schedule.

However, online does not mean fully remote in every case. Teacher candidates still need approved field experiences, student teaching, or supervised classroom practice. Before enrolling, ask how the program arranges Mississippi placements, whether it is approved for Mississippi licensure, and how it supports Praxis preparation. For more details, review the guide on how to become a teacher online in Mississippi.

What Are the Different Certification Tracks for Teachers in Mississippi?

Mississippi’s certification structure gives candidates several ways to enter or expand within the teaching profession. The traditional track is most common for students who complete a bachelor’s degree in education and an approved preparation program. Alternative tracks are designed for candidates with non-education bachelor’s degrees. Additional endorsements allow licensed teachers to add subject or grade-level areas.

The right track depends on your current education level, target teaching subject, timeline, and budget. To compare routes in more detail, review the teacher certification requirements in Mississippi.

Are substitute teaching roles a viable stepping stone to a full-time teaching career in Mississippi?

Substitute teaching can be a useful way to test whether classroom work fits your strengths before committing to a full teacher preparation program. Substitutes gain exposure to school routines, student behavior, lesson plans, grade-level differences, and district expectations. They can also build relationships with principals and teachers who may later provide references or hiring leads.

Substitute teaching is not the same as full licensure, and requirements can differ by district. If you want to use this role as a pathway, learn the eligibility rules, background check requirements, application steps, and limits of substitute authorization. Start with the guide to Mississippi substitute teacher requirements.

Taking Your First Steps to Become a Teacher in Mississippi

The best route to becoming a teacher in Mississippi depends on where you are starting. If you are entering college for the first time, a traditional teacher preparation degree may be the most direct path. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, an alternate route may save time. If you are unsure about teaching, substitute work, tutoring, or paraprofessional experience can help you test your interest before investing in a full program.

Before choosing a school or certification route, confirm three things: the program is properly accredited or approved, it leads to the Mississippi license and endorsement you need, and the total cost makes sense for your expected career path. Do not rely only on rankings, convenience, or tuition price. Licensure fit matters most.

If you are interested in education but not certain that classroom teaching is your long-term goal, compare related options in this guide to jobs you can get with an elementary education degree besides teaching.

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll in a Mississippi Teacher Preparation Program

• Is the program approved for Mississippi teacher licensure in my intended subject or grade level?
• Which Praxis exams will I need, and when should I take them?
• How does the program arrange student teaching or field placements?
• What is the total cost after tuition, fees, books, testing, transportation, and licensure expenses?
• Can I transfer credits from another college?
• Does the program support online, evening, or part-time study if I need flexibility?
• What is the program’s process for helping graduates apply through ELMS?
• Will this route allow me to add endorsements later?
• What support is available for first-generation students, working adults, or career changers?
• How do local districts view graduates from this program?

Key Insights

• Mississippi has clear teacher licensure requirements: Most candidates need a bachelor’s degree, approved preparation, required Praxis exams, documentation, and an application through the state process.
• The standard license requires maintenance: Mississippi’s teaching license is valid for five years, and renewal requires approved coursework, CEUs, National Board renewal, or another eligible route.
• Alternative certification can help career changers: Programs such as the Teach Mississippi Institute allow qualified bachelor’s degree holders outside education to pursue teaching without starting over with a traditional education major.
• Licensure alignment is more important than convenience: Before enrolling in any online, campus, accelerated, or low-cost program, confirm that it prepares you for the exact Mississippi endorsement you need.
• High-need areas can improve opportunity: Rural districts, special education, STEM, language arts, and other shortage-related areas may offer stronger hiring prospects, depending on local district needs.
• Financial support may reduce costs: Loan repayment, PSLF, scholarships, grants, and district incentives can help, but applicants should verify current eligibility and service obligations.
• Teaching can lead to multiple career paths: Mississippi educators can advance into special education, literacy, instructional coaching, curriculum work, administration, school librarianship, or other education roles with the right credentials.

References:

• EDUCAUSE. (2025). Findings From The 2025 Teaching and Learning Workforce Report. https://events.educause.edu/-/media/files/events/webinar/2025/web2513/slides.pdf
• Kurtz, H. & Baker, L. (2025, March 4). What Teacher Morale Looks Like in Every State. EdWeek. https://www.edweek.org/the-state-of-teaching/teaching-learning/what-teacher-morale-looks-like-in-every-state/2025/03
• PraxisExam.org. (n.d.). Mississippi teacher certification guide. praxisexam.org.
• The University of Mississippi. (2025). Teach Mississippi Institute. The University of Mississippi.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 8). Occupational projections, 2024–2034, and worker characteristics, 2024. Retrieved February 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm