Teaching Math in Mississippi

While Mississippi teacher salaries may not be the highest in the nation, there’s something to be said about a state overflowing with irresistible southern charm. One thing is for sure, Mississippi boasts a very low cost of living, with housing costs far below the national average. While many may be turned off by the lower than average salaries, keep in mind that these figures may only be indicative of Mississippi hiring younger, less experienced teachers.

There are plenty more reasons to consider a career as a math educator in Mississippi. You can take advantage of several different grants and loan forgiveness programs for teaching in critical shortage areas. The state also offers several different (and creative) routes to certification, which is great news for individuals looking to switch careers. In short, Mississippi is wide open for math teachers who want to make their mark on the world.

Math Teacher Certification in Mississippi

Math Teaching Qualifications

In order to be eligible for certification in Mississippi, prospective teachers are required to complete the necessary undergraduate coursework, pass all required standardized examinations and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.

Credentials & Exams

Mississippi requires that all prospective teachers pass the Praxis series of examinations. Click here for more information on standardized testing for teachers in Mississippi. Mississippi offers several different types of teaching licenses:

• Five-Year Class A License: This license is issued to teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher in education from a state or NCATE approved program. Eligible applicants must also pass the Praxis II (Principles of Learning and Teaching Test) and Praxis II (Specialty Area Test).
• Five-Year Class AA License: Individuals who meet the requirements for a Five-Year Class A License, hold a Master’s degree in the area in which the license is requested OR a Master’s of Education degree are eligible to teach under the Five-Year Class AA License.
• Five-Year Class AAA License: This license is awarded to highly-qualified applicants who fulfill the requirements for a Five-Year Class A License and hold a Specialist Degree in the area in which the license is requested OR a Specialist of Education Degree.
• Five-Year Class AAAA License: This is the most advanced teaching license issued by the state of Mississippi, and it’s awarded to individuals who meet the requirements for a Five-Year Class A License and who have either a Doctoral degree in the area in which the license is requested or a Doctor of Education degree.

Mississippi also offers two reciprocal certification options for educators certified in another state or jurisdiction:

• Two Year Educator License: An applicant holding a valid credential, but less than a standard license or certificate, from another state is eligible to apply for a two-year educator license.
• Five Year Educator License: Fully certified teachers holding a valid standard out-of-state license (K-12) may apply for the Five-Year Educator License.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Mississippi also offers several different options for receiving an alternate route teaching certificate, including one-, two-, three- and five-year programs.

• One Year Alternate Route License through American Board Certification. Areas available: Biology, Chemistry, English, Math and Physics
• Five Year Educator License – A five year educator license is granted to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from and who have met all requirements in one of the Mississippi Alternate Route Programs.