Nearly $3 million will be divvied out among nine Mississippi universities to cover major expenses for 236 individuals seeking elementary and special education licenses.
The money, made available by the Mississippi Department of Education through its Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR) program, was appropriated by the state legislature in its most recent session.
Funding will go to universities’ educator preparation programs to enroll candidates to complete an approved program to obtain their initial license or supplemental endorsement in elementary education or special education. The residency program will include training alongside a mentor, licensure testing support, professional development, and a commitment to teach in an area facing a critical shortage of educators.
According to officials, ideal applicants for the opportunity will be individuals already enrolled in an educator preparation program, licensed teachers seeking a supplemental endorsement, or prospective educators.
Applications were accepted and awarded to Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University. Here’s how much of the nearly $3 million pool each school received:
- Delta State University – $280,000
- Jackson State University – $272,417
- Mississippi College – $119,684
- Mississippi State University – $1,298,981
- Mississippi University for Women – $140,000
- Mississippi Valley State University – $279,000
- University of Mississippi – $242,773
- University of Southern Mississippi – $196,000
- William Carey University – $140,000
Unlike previous cohorts of the MTR program, which exists to expand access to qualified educators statewide, applicants must apply directly through the university or college instead of applying through the Mississippi Department of Education. Individuals accepted into the program will receive financial support with tuition, testing fees, books, mentor stipends, and other programmatic services.
