Mississippi · Career guide
How to become a Elementary Teacher in Mississippi
Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.
See 206 elementary teaching jobs open in Mississippi →Certification path in Mississippi
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Mississippi typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.
- Apply for your initial license through Mississippi Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Mississippi Department of Education →
- Job-search in Mississippi.Browse current elementary teaching openings across Mississippi districts. Apply directly to each district's careers page — no platform fees.
Alternative pathways in Mississippi
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Mississippi offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers (MAPT): Earn certification while teaching in a shortage area
- Teach For America (active in Mississippi Delta)
- Career and Technical Education licenses
- Special Educator Preparation and Leadership (SEPL) program
Mississippi salary context
Average teacher salary in Mississippi: $49,534/year (rank #48 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $36,059/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Mississippi salary guide for the breakdown.
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