Mississippi State University-Meridian (MSU-Meridian) has received a $1.2 million grant from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to help expand and strengthen the state’s teacher pipeline. The funding is part of MDE’s Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR) program, which supports aspiring educators pursuing licensure in elementary and special education.
In total, nine Mississippi universities were awarded nearly $2.97 million through this initiative to fund tuition, testing, books, and related expenses for up to 236 future teachers. The grants were approved by the Mississippi Legislature earlier this year as part of a continued investment in education.
A Statewide Strategy to Address Teacher Shortages
The Mississippi Teacher Residency program is a key component of the state’s effort to recruit, train, and retain qualified teachers, especially in areas experiencing critical shortages. Launched in 2019 with an initial $4.1 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the program expanded in 2021 using $9.8 million from federal relief funds under the American Rescue Plan’s ESSER program.
Since its inception, at least 287 individuals have completed the MTR program, helping ensure that Mississippi classrooms are led by licensed, well-prepared educators capable of improving student achievement statewide.
MSU-Meridian’s Role in the Program
The Division of Education at MSU-Meridian will use the grant to enroll and train new teacher candidates through a structured, mentor-based program. Participants will receive hands-on classroom experience, professional development, and licensure support, working directly with public school districts in critical shortage regions.
“Mississippi State is proud to partner with MDE to expand the Mississippi Teacher Residency program,” said Teresa Jayroe, Dean of the MSU College of Education. “This grant helps us prepare and support more teachers for high-need areas, ensuring every child in our state has access to a well-prepared and dedicated educator.”
Supporting Aspiring Educators Financially and Professionally
The latest funding round allows prospective educators—including individuals already enrolled in educator preparation programs (EPPs) and licensed teachers seeking supplemental endorsements—to apply directly through participating universities, rather than MDE.
Accepted participants will receive comprehensive financial assistance covering tuition, books, testing fees, and mentor stipends, as well as additional academic and career support.
“This grant makes it possible for aspiring teachers to pursue their calling without the heavy financial burden that often comes with higher education,” said Kimberly R. Hall, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Head of the Division of Education at MSU-Meridian.
She added that by pairing financial support with mentorship and classroom training, the university is helping future teachers “step confidently into the profession and make a difference from day one.”
Creating Sustainable Pathways for Educators
Michelle Stubbs, MTR principal investigator and assistant teaching professor at MSU-Meridian, emphasized that the program supports educators at all levels—from teacher assistants to lead teachers—by providing pathways to earn a five-year renewable K-6 license.
“These professionals are not only advancing their credentials but also making a tangible, day-to-day impact in classrooms across Mississippi,” Stubbs said.
All MTR students at MSU are placed in yearlong internships, allowing them to gain real-world experience while contributing to local school districts. This model helps bridge the gap between academic preparation and classroom practice, strengthening teacher readiness statewide.
Commitment to Quality and Accreditation
MSU’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which sets national standards for excellence in teacher training.
The MSU College of Education includes five academic departments, a Division of Education, and multiple research and service units dedicated to advancing the teaching profession. The new grant further aligns with MSU’s mission to prepare effective educators capable of shaping Mississippi’s next generation of learners.
