How To Become a Teacher in Mississippi 2025

<p>A teaching career can provide satisfaction and fulfillment if you enjoy working with children or helping others learn. If you live in Mississippi and are wondering <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teacher.html">how to become a teacher</a>, you've come to the right place. </p> <p>Keep reading as we explore what it takes to be a teacher in Mississippi, including the various educational and certification requirements to become a teacher. We'll also answer a few questions you may have. </p> <h2 id="section---StepsToBecomeATeacherInMississippi">Steps To Become a Teacher in Mississippi</h2> <p>Whether you're interested in learning the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a> or just want to know more about the process, we're here to help. Below, we'll explore a step-by-step process you can follow to become a certified teacher in Mississippi. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Knowing your desired subject and grade level ahead of time can help you choose the most appropriate degree program. For example, if you want to teach physical education, you can enroll in a physical education degree program. If you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, you'll more likely want to major in early childhood education. </p> <p>Additionally, requirements can differ for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Let's look at the basic process for becoming each of these types of teachers. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Aspiring elementary school teachers typically major in elementary education. They gain student teaching experience in elementary schools and must pass certification exams relative to working with elementary-age children. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Common <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle school teacher educational requirements</a> involve majoring in middle school education or the specific subject you want to teach. Learners gain student teaching experience in middle schools and pass middle school-specific certification exams. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_High_School_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">High school teacher educational requirements</a> are similar to middle school requirements. Aspiring teachers typically earn a degree in secondary education or their subject area of choice, fulfill student teaching obligations at high schools, and pursue certification by passing high school-level teaching exams. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Once you've decided what type of teacher you want to become, you can more easily choose a major that supports your career goals. Specialized education programs, such as special education degrees, prepare students for specific types of teaching positions. </p> <p>If you're not sure what type of teacher you want to become or if you'd like to teach multiple subjects or grade levels, a more generalized teaching or education degree may be the best fit for you. This type of program allows you to gain experience working with diverse age groups, which in turn may help you narrow your focus. </p> <p>Regardless of the specific type of program you choose, you'll need to also enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program. Many of these programs lead to bachelor's degrees, while others lead to master's degrees or are available as short-term teaching certificate programs. Teacher preparation programs prepare students to meet state licensing requirements and incorporate student teaching experience into the degree requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>All teachers in Mississippi must hold at least a bachelor's degree. You can choose to major in any field as long as you complete a teacher preparation program as part of or in addition to your degree program. </p> <p>Most students just starting college choose to earn a degree in the subject or grade level they hope to teach. These programs provide coursework in age- or grade-specific instruction and subject matter, as well as more generalized concepts such as classroom management principles and teaching philosophies. </p> <p>As part of your teacher preparation program, you will also complete student teaching requirements, which are necessary for licensure in Mississippi. You can fulfill these requirements either as part of your degree program or as part of an alternative certification program if you major in a field other than education. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>Earning an advanced degree in education isn't required in Mississippi, but pursuing a master's degree can provide various benefits. Master's degree holders typically earn higher salaries and may qualify for more advanced or desirable teaching positions. </p> <p>Earning a master's degree can also help you fulfill state teaching requirements in Mississippi if you hold a bachelor's degree in a non-education field. This is a great option for career changers willing to spend extra time and money on a master's degree as opposed to completing a short-term certificate program. </p> <p>Completing a master's program can also help you gain advanced knowledge in a particular field. For example, if you have a bachelor's degree in education but want to teach high school English or biology, you can earn a master's degree in English or biology to become a subject matter expert in your chosen field. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassMississippiTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Mississippi Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>Once you've completed your education, you'll need to pass a couple of certification exams to earn your teaching credentials. The first of these exams is the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, which all aspiring teachers in the state must pass (though candidates with ACT scores of 21 or higher can opt out of this requirement). </p> <p>Those interested in pursuing specializations or teaching specific subjects must pass additional Praxis II Subject exams. These exams are completed in person at testing centers throughout Mississippi. </p> <p>After passing the necessary tests, prospective teachers can apply for an initial teaching license in Mississippi. They must submit an online application along with supporting documents, including a recommendation from their educator preparation program and proof of lawful presence in the U.S. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Those who successfully receive their teaching license can begin looking for their first teaching job. You could consider applying at your local school district or with any school system where you completed student teaching requirements. </p> <p>You may also want to look for teaching positions at public or private schools elsewhere in your state. Check school or district websites or attend hiring events to learn about current openings. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>When you're considering what type of teaching degree to pursue, consider your career goals: the age groups you'd like to work with or the subjects you hope to teach. There are programs tailored to every type of teaching career, so it shouldn't be hard to choose one ideally suited to you. </p> <p>Again, it's also okay to choose a more generic program if you're not sure yet what type of teacher you want to be or if you want to pursue multiple specializations. That said, some teaching positions may require specific degrees or levels of training. If you decide to specialize in one of these fields at some point in your career, you may need to return to school to obtain the proper education. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInMississippi">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Mississippi</h2> <p>If you still have questions about what it takes to begin teaching in Mississippi, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some frequently asked questions. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeATeacherInMississippi">What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Mississippi?</h3> <p>To become a teacher in Mississippi, you'll need to hold a bachelor's degree in any subject. You'll also need to complete an approved teacher education program. Many education degrees in the state allow students to complete a teacher preparation program while earning their bachelor's degree; short-term certificate programs and master's degrees may also encompass these programs. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInMississippi">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Mississippi?</h3> <p>Prospective teachers holding a non-education bachelor's degree can complete a short-term certificate program to fulfill state teaching license requirements &mdash; potentially beginning their teaching careers in as little as a year. Those just starting college and following a traditional route typically complete their bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program and fulfill all licensing requirements within about four to five years. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>The Mississippi Department of Education determines the rules and regulations governing all schools in the state. That said, public and private schools may set additional regulations of their own. </p> <p>As such, teaching requirements can vary not only between public and private schools but from district to district. It's important to check with any school or district you are considering working for to find out their requirements ahead of time. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIRenewMyTeacherCertificationInMississippi">How Do I Renew My Teacher Certification in Mississippi?</h3> <p>Mississippi teaching licenses must be renewed every five years to remain active. To renew a license, you must complete a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs), semester hours of training, or a combination of the two. You can bypass these options by completing the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards process. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineEducationPrograms">Explore Online Education Programs</h2> <p>If you're ready to become a teacher in Mississippi, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to find out more about their education programs and to choose the right degree for you.</p>