State education department awards grant to ±«Óãtvfor Mississippi Teacher Residency program

Wesley Wilson, ±«Óãtvassistant professor of teacher education, said ±«Óãtvis committed to preparing effective, well-supported teachers who serve where they are needed most.

The Mississippi Department of Education, through its Mississippi Teacher Residency program, has awarded a $119,684 grant to Mississippi College to cover tuition, fees and textbooks for 20 new graduate students seeking initial licensure in elementary education (K-6).

The award is among almost $3 million in grants given by the MDE to nine Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. The funds were appropriated by the state Legislature this year.

Individuals accepted into the MTR Program receive financial support with tuition, testing fees, books, mentor stipends and other programmatic services in exchange for a commitment to teach in a geographical critical shortage area during their residency year.

Wesley Wilson, ±«Óãtvassistant professor of teacher education and leadership and coordinator of the department’s Alternate Route Programs, said the funding “underscores MC’s commitment to preparing effective, well-supported teachers who serve where they are needed most.

“±«Óãtvteacher residents graduate classroom-ready and equipped to strengthen the communities they serve,” Wilson said. “This award removes financial barriers for aspiring teachers, strengthens MC’s partnerships with school districts, enhances our reputation as a leader in teacher preparation, and supports our mission of serving Mississippi schools by addressing workforce needs.”

The education preparation provider (EPP) at ±«Óãtvis nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and consistently exceeds state benchmarks in licensure pass rates, graduation and job placement. Its Alternate Route program’s residency-based model pairs graduate coursework with a full year of mentored classroom teaching to cultivate confident, classroom-ready educators.

“Our strong district partnerships place residents in diverse, high-need schools, while experienced faculty provide expertise in instructional leadership, assessment and inclusive practices,” Wilson said. “The faith-based, service-oriented environment emphasizes personalized advising, test preparation and mentoring to ensure candidates are supported every step of the way.

“These strengths make ±«Óãtva compelling choice for aspiring educators seeking quality preparation and long-term success in Mississippi classrooms.”

In a special session this June, the Mississippi legislature appropriated funding to renew the Mississippi Teacher Residency program. Members of MC’s Teacher Education and Leadership faculty and institutional leaders worked throughout the summer to draft the grant application and build the program infrastructure to meet the grant’s requirements. This included a nearly 50-percent reduction for the Alternate Route program, approved by MC’s Board of Trustees at its September meeting.

“We are grateful to Dr. Wesley Wilson for his excellent work in preparing and submitting materials to the Mississippi Department of Education for the Mississippi Teacher Residency Grant,” said Rachel Peeples, ±«Óãtvprofessor and interim chair of TEL. “As a graduate of our Alternate Route program, Dr. Wilson brings valuable insight into the critical role of teacher preparation in strengthening Mississippi’s schools.”

Ideal applicants for the MTR program are individuals already enrolled in an EPP, licensed educators seeking a supplemental endorsement, and/or prospective educators. Wilson said residents complete three graduate courses for initial licensure before serving as paid K-6 resident teachers in partnering school districts.

“MC’s program supports them throughout the residency year with mentorship and guidance while they continue graduate coursework leading to a Master of Education in Teaching Arts-Elementary,” Wilson said. “The MTR model ensures that students across Mississippi have access to qualified, well-prepared educators.”

The MTR program began in 2019 funded by a $4.1 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The program expanded in 2021 with $9.8 million in American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. At least 287 individuals have completed the MTR program since it was created.