Elementary Education Degrees in Mississippi
Everyone looks for something different in a long-term career. Perhaps you want to work with children and shape the future of Mississippi. Maybe you want to do work that tackles inequalities in your community and helps improve overall quality of life. In all of these cases, education may be the answer. Providing education to today’s children may improve earning potential, boost quality of life, and give the next generation a head start in life.
Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Mississippi
Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. If you feel passionate about the future of Mississippi and the learning needs of today’s children, discover how you can make a difference by contacting Mississippi teaching schools today.
There are lots of benefits that come with becoming an elementary school teacher. One of the most exciting parts of this field is the constant change. There is a lot of money invested in educational research, and this research is used to improve teaching strategies and educational planning. Mississippi has developed a program to help its struggling schools. Schools receive support to meet several key areas of growth. Students should become proficient in all subject areas, attain higher graduation rates, and be prepared for postsecondary work or education (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 2017). The state should make early childhood education accessible to all young children and use a data system to track outcomes.
Are you ready to be part of one of the most important industries in the world? Make your move today and get in touch with Mississippi teaching programs now.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Mississippi
Training is an essential part of growth in any field, but it’s even more important in teaching. After all, if you’re going to devote your life to education, you have to go through some yourself. Before you can become an elementary school teacher, you have to meet many key standards. These standards are set both on a federal level and on a state level. They are typically summed up by your program’s learning goals. It’s important to compare each program’s learning outcomes to make sure that your school is a good fit for you. Learning outcomes typically focus on your ability to communicate with students, create effective lesson plans, execute lesson plans, use age-appropriate learning materials, and work as part of a teaching team.
Unless you already have a Bachelor’s degree, your teaching journey begins with a Bachelor in elementary education degree. This is required for licensure. On average, a Bachelor’s in elementary education program lasts eight semesters, amounting to 120 to 130 credits. Between 50 and 60 credits are earned in general education courses, and 60 to 70 credits come from teaching coursework.
Your general education classes aren’t just important for your overall knowledge. They are also the foundation for your teaching career, since most institutions use your grades and references from these courses to determine whether or not you can enter the teaching program. If you have a high enough GPA and meet other educational standards, you may start your teaching coursework in your second or third year as an undergraduate student.
Elementary Education Course Options in Mississippi
- Education as a Profession
- Art and Science of Teaching
- Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools
- Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools
- Educational Measurement
- Early Literacy Instruction
- Reading Assessment
- Methods for Teaching Reading
Hands-on experience is one of the most important parts of your education, so get as much of it as you possibly can. Every teacher can show you something new about your craft, even if your styles are different. Furthermore, the connections you build in classroom rotations may be a huge help to you when you start searching for jobs.
The other route to a teaching license is a Master’s in elementary education. This degree is typically reserved for those with Bachelor’s degrees in elementary education, child development, or a related field. If you have no experience in education, this option may not be available to you. A Master’s in elementary education requires about two years of coursework beyond your Bachelor’s degree.
Many students are interested in completing an elementary education online degree. Keep in mind, though, that elementary education programs require a considerable amount of in-person experience. You may be able to take some courses online, but classroom experience is mandatory.
The final requirement you have to meet before you begin working is your teaching license. All teaching licenses are awarded by the Mississippi Department of Education. You must submit your application and proof of your teaching degree. You may then schedule your Praxis tests. After passing your exams, you may get your initial teaching license.
Now that you know what it takes to become a teacher, it’s time to act. Find the right teaching program for you by reaching out to Mississippi teaching programs today.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Mississippi
After working so hard to earn your degree and license, you’re likely eager to put your education to work in a local classroom. Depending on where you attend school in Mississippi, you may have a job offer before you even graduate. In rural areas, there’s often a significant shortage of teachers. If you work in an underserved area, you may qualify for loan forgiveness programs.
The shortage of teachers in Mississippi is clear when you look at job growth statistics. From 2014 through 2024, O*Net anticipates a 10% increase in job openings for elementary school teachers (2017). Currently, Mississippi elementary school teachers earn an average of $42,370 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Your earning potential may increase as you become more experienced and gain seniority at your school district.
Teaching is a major career change for many people, but you can shorten your learning curve by building your professional network. One major resource for new teachers is the Mississippi Association of Educators. Consider joining as a teaching student or new teacher. You may be able to network with other teachers and go to continuing education events.
Don’t wait any longer to start working toward a career you love. Request information from Mississippi teaching programs today to get started.
