How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi

To earn teacher certification in Mississippi from American Board, candidates will need to meet the following requirements:

1. MUST hold a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

OR An ACT score of 21 or higher (or SAT score of 1060 or higher)

OR qualifying passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination as established by the state Board of Education.

2. Praxis Subject Assessment

Once you meet these requirements, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Complete the American Board program

2. Obtain a teaching position in a Mississippi school

3. Apply to the Mississippi Department of Education for a state-issued initial alternate teaching license. This license is only good for one year and is non-renewable.

4. Complete one of the following:

a. Mississippi e-Learning for Educators 8 week online course

b. The Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers (MAPQT) 3-week summer course

c. 6 hours of MAT (Classroom Management, Tests, and Measurements) graduate-level university courses. Hours can be applied towards a master’s degree.

5. While teaching, complete a one year mentoring program. Mentoring programs are offered at no cost by most MS school districts

6. During your first year of teaching, apply to the Mississippi Board of Education to upgrade your initial alternate teaching license into a state-issued standard teaching license. This license will need to be renewed every five years throughout your career.