College Students
Many students desire to make a real difference in this world but don’t know where to start. Check out the step by step process below and get started today!
01
Earn a four-year education degree
A variety of assistance programs are available. Keep in mind that you may qualify for assistance from both state and federal programs.
TEACH Grant
A TEACH Grant can help you pay for college if you plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. You’ll be required to teach for a certain length of time, so make sure you understand your obligation. Contact the financial aid office at the school where you will be enrolled to find out whether the school participates in the TEACH Grant Program and to learn about the programs of study at the school that are TEACH-Grant-eligible.
The Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METP)
The Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METP) is a collaboration between the Ole Miss and Mississippi State to attract top-performing students to an innovative new teacher education program using one of the most valuable scholarships ever offered in the state.
Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP)
Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) was created by the Mississippi Legislature, designed to provide tuition assistance to qualified students whose financial need, as demonstrated by federal student aid eligibility, will not be met with gift aid from other sources. The program provides full tuition to qualified students for up to four years.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) was created by the Mississippi Legislature, designed to provide financial assistance to Mississippi residents attending state approved public and private not-for-profit two-year and four-year eligible colleges and universities. The primary objective of MTAG is to provide educational opportunities for students who wish to pursue postsecondary education in the state and do not already benefit from federal need-based aid.
University Options for Educator Preparatory Programs
Alcorn State University
Belhaven University
Blue Mountain College
Delta State University
Jackson State University
Mississippi College
Mississippi State University
Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi Valley State University
Rust College
Tougaloo College
University of Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi
William Carey University
02
Successfully complete exam.
Educators must pass a test to prove they are ready for the classroom. The Praxis® tests help Mississippi educators demonstrate their knowledge of content and instructional skills for the classroom.
03
Apply for a license.
The Mississippi Department of Education issues licenses to teachers in the final step to show they have met all requirements.
04
Become a teacher.
Elementary Teachers
Elementary teachers typically educate students PreK – grade 5 in general subjects of reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Elementary teachers are expected to be very hands-on, creating fun and enthusiastic atmospheres within their classrooms and adapting to meet the needs of their students.
Middle and High School Teachers
Middle and high school teachers typically educate students in grades 6-12 in particular subject areas, such as history, English, science or mathematics. High school teachers also offer general, technical or college-preparatory courses.
Career and Technical Education Teachers
Career and technical education teachers help students in middle and high school attain job skills and discover career options through the application of hands-on learning, such as health science, computer science, agriculture and construction.
Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers instruct students who have mental, emotional or physical disabilities that may impede learning. They design the general education curriculum to meet the unique needs of the students and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.