Mississippi Special Education Certification & Requirements

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Special Education in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and its Office of Special Education oversee matters concerning public schools and special education services and resources in the state. Mississippi employs 910 special education teachers to serve students at its 1,097 public schools and sole charter school, which are divided into 152 school districts. The state also has 231 private schools. The U.S. Department of Education rates Mississippi’s special education services as “Meets Requirements,” the highest ranking it awards. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the state provides 13 percent of the student population with Individualized Education Programs, the same percentage as the national average.

Licensure Requirements

For Undergraduates

According to the MDE’s Office of Educator Licensure, aspiring teachers qualify for an initial Class A License if they have at least a bachelor’s degree that includes teacher education coursework from an accredited university program. These candidates must also pass state-mandated exams.

For Graduates

Graduates who hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in education, special education or the area of expertise in which they plan to teach qualify for a Class AA License. Those with post-graduate degrees and specialist endorsements meet MDE criteria for a Class AAA License, while candidates with doctorate degrees in relevant subject areas can obtain a Class AAAA License.

Types of Licenses

As mentioned above, the MDE grants four classes of Educator Licensure depending upon the academic experience of the candidate. Regardless of class, this license is valid for five years and granted to candidates who have completed all teacher preparation requirements. The MDE issues several Special Five Year Educator Licenses for special educators, including Audiologist, Dyslexia Therapy, Emotional Disability, Psychometrist, Special Education Birth-Kindergarten and Speech/Language Clinician. In addition, several types of licenses are awarded to candidates who pursue alternative routes to certification.

Reciprocity

The MDE grants reciprocity to candidates who earned their licenses out of state, with a few stipulations. Candidates must hold a valid, standard credential in an area in which Mississippi awards endorsement, and must meet all criteria for in-state licensed educators or make up any deficiencies through state pedagogical exams, content area exams and coursework. Depending upon their qualifications, the MDE issues a Five Year Reciprocity License or a Two Year Reciprocity License. Applicants with foreign credentials and experience must meet the same criteria as those who apply from out of state, with the additional step of sending documentation of their credentials to a professional evaluation agency that can translate all information and analyze it for equivalency with Mississippi requirements.

Special Ed Degree Programs in Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi, located in the historic city of Hattiesburg, offers a standout bachelor’s degree program that results in a dual licensure in elementary education and special education. Candidates can also opt for an undergraduate degree in special education with or without certification, or a bachelor’s degree in education of the deaf. At the graduate level, the university’s master’s degree in special education allows students to choose elective coursework which leads to Mississippi teaching certification in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Emotional/Behavior Disorders, Severe Disabilities or Gifted Education. The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education at Mississippi State University offers certificate programs, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees in education, with various endorsements and specializations in special education. The bachelor’s degree in special education offers several options for specialized endorsement.

For information on master’s in special education programs in Mississippi, click here.

Alternatives to Certification

Aspiring teachers in Mississippi have several routes toward alternative licensure, including:

The Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Educators is for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a core curricular area, but not in education. Such candidates take part in an intensive three-week training program before entering classrooms and earn an Alternate Route Educator License. They then complete the requirements for a five-year license during a one-year internship that includes working with a mentor teacher.
Candidates in the Master of Arts in Teaching program receive alternative licensure after completing six graduate hours of MDE-approved pre-teaching coursework. They then complete additional credit hours and an internship.
The Mississippi Teacher Corps prepares candidates with non-education bachelor’s degrees to teach in Mississippi’s public schools in high-poverty areas. Candidates work under a two-year teaching contact with full pay, while receiving full training and certification.

Special Education Jobs in Mississippi

Public schools

The MDE’s Job Search Assistance webpage contains links to its School District Employment Database, district websites, teacher shortage areas and the current vacancies posted at the Mississippi Teacher Center.
The University of Mississippi School of Education’s job board contains links to openings for K-12 teachers and administrators throughout the state.

Private schools

Millcreek of Magee runs a school for children with developmental disabilities and emotional disturbances. The organization also offers day treatment, a residential facility and therapeutic group homes.
Jackson’s New Summit School serves K-12 students with learning disabilities. Among the programs offered are day classes, life skills classes, distance learning and summer school.

Other programs

The MDE operates the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Mississippi School for the Blind.

Professional Development

Project Start is part of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, offering hands-on training in using various types of assistive technology.
Mississippi State University coordinates several programs and resources that provide continuing education units to working special education teachers.
The Mississippi Association of Educators offers seminars and resources for working professionals.
Members of Mississippi Professional Educators can take advantage of intensive trainings and workshops that prepare leaders in education and special education.

Mississippi Professional Groups for Special Educators

The state teacher’s union, the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), advocates for its membership of public school employees, retired public educators and students in teacher preparation programs.
MDE’s Special Education Advisory Panel, mandated by the federal government, meets to interpret special education policy and advise the Office of Special Education on its proper implementation.
The Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children advocates on behalf of children and youth with disabilities.
The Arc of Mississippi organizes programs and events focused on inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
Disability Rights Mississippi is an advocacy group focused on the interpretation and implementation of laws protecting Mississippi’s citizens who have disabilities.

Mississippi Special Education Blogs

Mississippi Teacher Corps Blogs: This group of blogs features insights and observations by new teachers working in Mississippi’s most impoverished school districts.