MISSISSIPPI
STATE RESOURCES

Mississippi guidelines for licensure can be found here: https://www.mdek12.org/sites/default/files/Offices/MDE/OA/OTL/Teacher%20Center/guidelines_for_mississippi_educator_licensure_k-12_august-2024.pdf  

FIVE-YEAR EDUCATOR LICENSE SPECIAL EDUCATION/BIRTH TO KINDERGARTEN (211) (EARLY INTERVENTION) - Bachelor’s degree in Special Education/Birth to Kindergarten from a state-approved or NCATE-approved program from a regionally/nationally accredited institution of higher learning. 

FIVE-YEAR EDUCATOR LICENSE SPECIAL EDUCATION - MILD/MODERATE DISABILITY K-12 (221) - Bachelor’s degree in Special Education - Mild/Moderate Disability from a state-approved or NCATE/CAEP approved program from a regionally/nationally accredited institution of higher learning. 

FIVE-YEAR EDUCATOR LICENSE SPECIAL EDUCATION/BIRTH TO KINDERGARTEN (211) (EARLY INTERVENTION) -  

• Twenty-one (21) ACT (or SAT equivalent) or achieve a qualifying passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination or minimum GPA of 3.0 on a minimum of 60 hours of course credit as established by the State Board of Education; and  

• Praxis Subject Assessment Principles of Learning & Teaching test 5621. 

FIVE-YEAR EDUCATOR LICENSE SPECIAL EDUCATION - MILD/MODERATE DISABILITY K-12 (221)  

• Twenty-one (21) ACT (or SAT equivalent) or achieve a qualifying passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination or minimum GPA of 3.0 on a minimum of 60 hours of course credit as established by the State Board of Education; and 

• Praxis Subject Assessment (Principles of Learning and Teaching Test) 

• Praxis Subject Assessment (Specialty Area Test for Special Education) 

• Foundations of Reading Assessment 

Mississippi offers different types of licenses (e.g., a standard 5-year license or provisional/alternate route licenses), depending on the educator's qualifications and experience. 

In Mississippi, the process for becoming a licensed special educator using the Mississippi Educator Career Continuum Archive (MECCA) involves the following steps: 

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Aspiring special education teachers must first complete a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field from an accredited institution. 

• Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: Candidates need to complete an MDE-approved teacher preparation program, which includes coursework and field experiences related to special education. 

• Pass Required Examinations: 

  • Candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests, which assess basic skills in reading, writing, and math. 

  • They must also pass the Praxis Special Education exam that corresponds to the grade level they plan to teach (e.g., Early Childhood Special Education or Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities). 

• Create a MECCA Account and Apply for Licensure: 

  • Candidates create an account in the Mississippi Educator Career Continuum Archive (MECCA), which is the online portal used to manage licensure applications. 

  • Through MECCA, they submit their completed teacher preparation program documentation, Praxis scores, and other required materials. 

• Background Check: Candidates must complete a fingerprint-based background check to verify their eligibility for working with students. 

• Initial Licensure: Once approved, candidates receive a standard 5-year educator license or a provisional license if pursuing an alternate route. 

• License Renewal and Professional Development: Through MECCA, educators can track their license status, upload continuing education credits, and apply for license renewal. Professional development activities, including earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or graduate coursework, are necessary for renewal. 

MECCA streamlines the process, allowing educators to manage their career and licensure progress online. 

Mississippi Alternate Route Programs 

• American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (https://www.americanboard.org/mississippi/)  

• Master of Arts in Teaching (https://www.mdek12.org/OEL/Master-of-Arts-in-Teaching)  

• Mississippi Teacher Residency (https://www.mdek12.org/OTL/MTR)  

• Teach for America (https://www.teachforamerica.org/delta)   

• Teach Mississippi Institute (https://tmi.olemiss.edu/)  

All programs have the following components: 

• Testing

• Training program or coursework

• One-year teaching internship 

Steps for alternate route certification: 

• Decide what subject and age level you prefer to teach. This decision will help you choose which alternate route program will work for you. 

• Choose an alternate route program. Many candidates choose a program based on these criteria: 

  • geographical location of the program 

  • subject areas offered 

  • cost and time commitment 

  • internship requirements 

  • grade level 

  • your personal academic skills and professional background 

Contact your selected Mississippi Alternate Route Program Provider for information about enrolling in and completing an approved alternate route program.

Mississippi's Department of Education provides a list of approved educator preparation programs: https://www.mdek12.org/OTL/educator-preparation-providers 

In Mississippi, several organizations support individuals pursuing careers in special education. These groups provide resources, professional development, and networking opportunities: 

• Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children (MS-CEC): This organization is dedicated to supporting special education professionals through advocacy, professional development, and conferences. Their website offers resources to enhance the quality of education for children with exceptionalities. 

  • Website: https://mississippi.exceptionalchildren.org/  

• Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) - Office of Special Education: The MDE offers guidance, licensure information, and resources for special education teachers. They host annual conferences and provide support for both new and veteran teachers in this field. 

  • Website: https://www.mdek12.org/OSE  

• Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE): MAE supports educators across the state, including those in special education, by providing professional development, advocacy, and mentorship. They are involved in legislative advocacy to improve working conditions and resources for teachers. 

  • Website: https://www.maetoday.org/  

• Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE): MPE supports educators across the state by offering scholarships, professional development, and legal assistance. MPE is an excellent resource for special education teachers looking for support and growth opportunities. 

  • Website: https://www.mpe.org/  

• Mississippi State University T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability: The T.K. Martin Center provides resources and training for educators in special education, especially in assistive technology for students with disabilities. They also offer direct support and consultation services for schools and teachers. 

  • Website: https://www.tkmartin.msstate.edu/  

• North Mississippi Education Consortium (NMEC): This group offers professional development and training for educators, including those in special education. They also collaborate with the Mississippi Department of Education to provide CEU opportunities. 

  • Website: https://nmec.msresaservices.com/  

Undergraduate Programs 

• Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program

• Mississippi State University

• University of Mississippi

• Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid 

• Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP) 

• Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) 

• Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) 

• Federal-Student Aid 

• TEACH Grant 

Graduate Programs 

• Federal-Student Aid 

• TEACH Grant 

• University of Mississippi 

• Mississippi Teacher Corps 

Loan Repayment Programs 

• Winter-Reed Teacher Loan Repayment Program (WRTR) 

Loan Forgiveness 

• Federal Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers 

• Low-Income Directory 

• Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees