Can You Teach in Mississippi Without a Teaching Degree? Yes — if you hold a bachelor’s degree in any field other than education. Mississippi has developed one of the most accessible and diverse alternative route certification systems in the South, specifically designed to bring qualified career changers and non-education degree holders into the state’s chronically understaffed classrooms. The state offers multiple approved alternate route pathways — the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI), the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), iteach Mississippi, and Teach for America — each leading to a full, standard Mississippi teaching license.
The urgency behind this framework is real. Only 11 percent of Mississippi students graduate college-ready (TFA). Mississippi consistently ranks last or near-last nationally in educational outcomes, creating an acute need for qualified teachers in every subject and at every grade level. The state’s alternative certification framework is not a second-tier option — it is a core component of Mississippi’s teacher pipeline, and teachers who enter through alternate routes receive the same five-year renewable standard license as those who completed traditional university-based education programs.
One important baseline: Mississippi’s alternate route programs require at minimum a bachelor’s degree. If you do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, none of these pathways are available. The exception is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) alternate route, which accepts an associate degree or higher combined with occupational experience for secondary CTE teaching. For all other alternate route programs, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is non-negotiable.
| Quick Guide: Becoming a Mississippi Teacher Without a Teaching Degree |
| ALL ALTERNATE ROUTE PATHWAYS REQUIRE: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (non-education field). CTE pathway accepts associate degree + experience. |
| STEP 1: Decide what subject and grade level you want to teach. This determines which alternate route program is right for you and which Praxis tests are required. |
| STEP 2: Pass required Praxis assessments — Praxis Core (basic skills) AND the Praxis II Subject Area test for your chosen endorsement. Elementary candidates also need the Foundations of Reading assessment. |
| STEP 3: Enroll in an MDE-approved alternate route program (TMI, MAT, ABCTE, iteach, or TFA). |
| STEP 4: Complete the program’s training/coursework and 60 hours of field experience (TMI) or equivalent. |
| STEP 5: Receive your provisional (non-renewable) alternate route license. |
| STEP 6: Complete the one-year teaching internship at an MDE-accredited school. You will be paid at the third-year teacher rate. |
| STEP 7: Upon successful completion, apply for your Five-Year Standard Teaching License — the fully portable, renewable professional credential. |
| Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/); TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu); Jackson PS Alternate Route; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt. |
Mississippi Teaching Without a Traditional Education Degree: Key Numbers
| BA Req.
Min. Degree (All AR Pathways) Non-education BA from accredited institution |
3
MDE Alternate Route Methods TMI, MAT, ABCTE — mdek12.org/licensure/alternate |
1 yr
Teaching Internship Required All alternate route programs; paid at 3rd-yr rate |
Assoc.
CTE Min. Degree Associate degree + occupational experience |
| 5 yr
Standard License After AR Five-year renewable after internship + program |
$53,704
Avg. Teacher Salary (MS) NEA 2023-24; lowest nationally |
13%
MS Students College-Ready TFA; driver of alternative cert demand |
11
TMI Subject Areas (7-12) tmi.olemiss.edu — all 7-12 Praxis subjects |
Sources: MDE Alternate Route Programs page (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/) — 3 methods; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — BA required; 1-yr internship; MAT/TMI/ABCTE/CTE; TMI program types (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html) — paid at 3rd-yr teacher rate; Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — 5-yr standard license; NEA 2023-24 — $53,704 avg salary; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — TFA 11% college-ready; TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/about.html) — 11 subject areas.
Who Governs Teacher Certification in Mississippi: MDE Overview
All teacher certification in Mississippi is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), Division of Educator Licensure. The MDE approves all alternate route programs, establishes eligibility requirements, processes license applications, and maintains the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 — the definitive regulatory document for all certification matters.
- MDE Alternate Route Programs page: mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/ — the primary MDE page listing all approved alternate route methods
- MDE Division of Educator Licensure: mdek12.org/licensure/ — all license types, applications, and requirements
- MDE phone: 601-359-3483 (Educator Licensure); 601-359-3513 (General Information)
- Praxis information: ets.org/praxis/ms/overview — Mississippi-specific Praxis test information
- Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12: The authoritative MDE document governing all certification requirements; available at mdek12.org
- MDE Certification Pathways PDF: mdek12.org/sites/default/files/Offices/MDE/OA/OTL/OEL/certification_pathways.pdf — official MDE pathway summary
Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/) — contact numbers; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 15, 2025) — MDE overview; MDE Certification Pathways PDF (mdek12.org).
The Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
The foundational requirement for all Mississippi alternate route certification (except CTE) is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Per the MDE Alternate Route Programs page: ‘Completing an alternate route program is required for an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree (non-education) and would like to transition into teaching but lacks the certification or license.’
Per Jackson Public Schools Alternate Route: ‘The Alternate Route is for teachers with a non-teacher education bachelor degree from an accredited college/university.’
Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alternative (April 15, 2025): ‘Candidates for Mississippi alternative teacher licensure must have a bachelor’s degree and meet one of the following testing requirements.’
The degree does not need to be in education. Engineers, biologists, historians, business professionals, nurses, and graduates of any other field are equally eligible for Mississippi alternate route certification, provided their degree content aligns with the subject area they wish to teach.
A chemistry degree qualifies for the chemistry endorsement; a mathematics degree qualifies for the mathematics endorsement; an English degree qualifies for the English endorsement.
- GPA requirement: Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alternative: TMI requires ‘a GPA of at least 2.75 in undergraduate coursework for the requested content area.’ Other programs may have similar GPA requirements — verify with each specific program.
- Accreditation: The bachelor’s degree must be from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/) — ‘bachelor’s degree non-education required’; Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — ‘non-teacher education bachelor degree’; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — bachelor’s degree + testing; TMI — 2.75 GPA.
All Alternate Route Pathways at a Glance
| Pathway | Best For | Grade Level | Pay During Program? | Timeline | Outcome |
| Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) | Career changers seeking 7-12 secondary certification; most accessible; online or in-person; operated by University of Mississippi | Grades 7-12 (secondary subjects only; NOT elementary K-6) | Yes — third-year teacher rate during internship | TMI 1 (13 weeks online) + TMI 2 (internship year); ~1.5 years total | Provisional then Five-Year Standard License |
| Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) | Candidates who want graduate degree alongside certification; elementary education access; 12 university programs | K-6 elementary (full degree required) and 4-6 or 7-12 (partial completion possible) | Yes — internship paid | 1-2 years depending on program; graduate degree earned | MAT degree + Five-Year Standard License |
| ABCTE (American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence) | Self-paced online learners; specific subject areas; requires additional third-party program interaction | Varies by subject area | Yes — during internship | Self-paced; varies | ABCTE certification + Five-Year Standard License (with approved MS program) |
| iteach Mississippi | Career changers; flexible online delivery; national alternative cert provider | 7-12 secondary subjects | Yes — during internship | ~1 year | Provisional then Five-Year Standard License |
| Teach for America (TFA) | Recent graduates committed to high-need schools; 2-year service commitment | Typically K-12 in high-need schools | Yes — teacher salary during commitment | 2-year commitment | Teaching experience + standard license pathway |
| CTE Alternate Route | Technical/vocational professionals with occupational expertise | Secondary grades (6-12 CTE areas) | Yes — during teaching | Varies by program | CTE teaching credential; specific endorsement |
Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/); TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html) — ‘3rd-year teacher rate’; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — MAT, TMI, ABCTE, CTE; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — TFA, MAT, MAPQT, TMI, ABCTE; teachms.org (Nov 2025) — iteach MS.
Pathway 1: The Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI)
The Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) is Mississippi’s most widely used and accessible alternate route to secondary teaching certification. Operated by the University of Mississippi through the Outreach division, TMI is an MDE-accredited alternate route program specifically designed for college graduates who want to become licensed secondary teachers without returning to college for a second degree.
Per TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/about.html): ‘Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) is an MDE-accredited alternate route program for college graduates seeking certification to teach in Mississippi.’
TMI accepts candidates for all secondary (7-12) Praxis Subject Assessments approved for initial Alternate Route certification: Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, Economics, English, Family and Consumer Science, Marketing Education, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Speech Communications.
Per TMI: ‘TMI cannot accept the 4-6 Elementary Education, nor the K-6 Elementary Praxis Subject Assessments. Only certain MAT programs may accept this endorsement area.’ This is a critical limitation — if you want to teach elementary school (K-6), TMI is not the right program. Elementary candidates must use the MAT route.
Why TMI Is Popular
- Fully online delivery — accessible from anywhere in Mississippi (or outside)
- Operated by the University of Mississippi — strong state credibility and MDE accreditation
- Relatively affordable compared to full graduate programs
- Well-established process with career services support (resume, interview coaching)
- Field experience during TMI 1 connects candidates to schools and builds hiring relationships
- Paid at third-year teacher rate during the internship — meaningful salary from Day 1 of teaching
Sources: TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/about.html) — 11 subject areas; ‘MDE-accredited alternate route program’; TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html) — Elementary Education restricted to MAT; teacher.org MS — TMI overview.
TMI Program Structure: TMI 1 and TMI 2
TMI is divided into two sequential components — TMI 1 (the training phase) and TMI 2 (the internship phase). Both are delivered online through the University of Mississippi.
TMI 1 — The 13-Week Training Program
Per TMI Information Guide (tmi.olemiss.edu): ‘TMI 1 is a 13-week (11-unit) online program. The online course covers classroom instruction, effective teaching strategies, classroom management, Mississippi College and Career-Ready Standards (MSCC-RS), planning and instructional methodologies, and use of testing as formative and summative evaluation tools.
During the course, candidates will be required to participate in online discussions, take weekly unit quizzes, and submit weekly written assignments or lesson plans. Candidates should anticipate spending six to eight [hours per week].’
TMI 1 also requires 60 hours of field experience/observation in a school. For candidates already working in schools (as paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, or in other roles), this field experience can sometimes be completed within their current employment. This is explicitly noted in the TMI Information Guide: ‘Complete 60 hours of field experience/observation in a school (participants already teaching in a [school]).’
After completing TMI 1, candidates hold the provisional (temporary) license and are eligible to apply for teaching positions at MDE-accredited schools.
TMI 2 — The Internship Year
Per TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/admission2.html): ‘TMI 1 completers holding the temporary license, once employed by a MDE accredited public or private school, may enroll in TMI 2… The first step in enrolling in TMI 2 is to secure a teaching position at a MDE accredited public or private school.’
TMI 2 is the internship year — the first year of actual teaching at an MDE-accredited school, taken simultaneously with final program components. Per TMI: ‘The internship is your first full year of teaching at a Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) accredited school (in TMI, that is concurrent with your enrollment in TMI 2). Mentoring will be provided during the internship.’
Key features of TMI 2:
- Paid at third-year teacher rate: ‘You will be paid based on your bachelor’s degree status as a third-year teacher.’ (TMI) — a significant financial benefit. This means the candidate earns a professional teacher’s salary from their first day in the classroom.
- Provisional license: ‘The license held during the internship is provisional (good only in Mississippi and is non-renewable).’ — the provisional license is a Mississippi-only, non-renewable bridge credential.
- Standard license upon completion: ‘Upon completion of the internship, you are ready to apply for your five-year standard teaching license.’ — this is the fully renewable, portable credential.
- Career services: ‘During TMI, candidates will have the option to participate in a career services course to improve their resume, cover letter, social media, and interview skills.’ (TMI Admission 2 page)
✔ Field Experience as a Hiring Strategy: Per TMI: ‘Impressing personnel during field experience is the surest way to gain employment as an educator.’ The 60-hour field experience in TMI 1 is not just a certification requirement — it is a structured opportunity to demonstrate your teaching ability to school administrators before you need a job. Treat every field experience hour as a job interview.
Sources: TMI Information Guide (tmi.olemiss.edu/forms/TMI_InformationGuide_F20.pdf) — 13-week; 11-unit; 6-8 hrs/week; 60 hrs field experience; TMI Admission 2 (tmi.olemiss.edu/admission2.html) — employment required; 3rd-yr teacher rate; provisional license; 5-yr standard upon completion; career services.
TMI Admission Requirements and Subject Areas
| TMI Admission Requirements — What You Need to Apply |
| DEGREE: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university (non-education field). |
| GPA: Minimum 2.75 GPA in undergraduate coursework for the requested content area (teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt). |
| BASIC SKILLS TEST: A minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt: ‘Candidates for all alternative pathways in Mississippi must have a minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests to meet eligibility requirements.’ |
| SUBJECT TEST: Passing score on the Praxis Subject Test in the desired endorsement area (7-12 subjects only). Per TMI: accepts all 7-12 Praxis Subject Assessments approved for initial Alternate Route certification. |
| ACCEPTED 7-12 SUBJECTS (TMI): Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, Economics, English, Family and Consumer Science, Marketing Education, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, Speech Communications. |
| NOT ACCEPTED (TMI): 4-6 Elementary Education; K-6 Elementary Education. Elementary candidates must use a MAT program. |
| APPLICATION: Apply through TMI at tmi.olemiss.edu; contact TMI at [email protected] or 662-915-7314. |
| Sources: TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/about.html and admission pages); teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 15, 2025). |
TMI Licensing Outcomes: Provisional to Five-Year Standard
The TMI pathway produces a well-defined licensing progression:
| License Stage | License Type | Validity | Portability | Next Step |
| After TMI 1 completion + testing | Provisional (alternate route) license | 1 year (non-renewable) | Mississippi only | Secure teaching position; enroll in TMI 2 |
| During TMI 2 (internship year) | Provisional (alternate route) license | 1 year (non-renewable) | Mississippi only | Complete TMI 2 + full internship year |
| After TMI 2 + internship completion | Five-Year Standard Teaching License | 5 years; renewable | Portable to other states (standard license) | Renew at 5-year intervals with professional development |
Sources: TMI programs page (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html) — provisional license; 5-yr standard; Jackson PS — 5-yr standard license; teachms.org (Nov 2025) — ‘1 or 3 year provisional; then 5-yr standard.’
Pathway 2: The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is Mississippi’s graduate-degree-based alternate route certification pathway. It offers the broadest range of certification options — including access to elementary education (K-6) certification — and leads to both a master’s degree and the standard teaching license.
Per MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/): ‘Master of Arts in Teaching Alternate Route (MAT) — Twelve programs, each overseen by its offering university.’ Per TMI programs page: there are twelve MAT programs across Mississippi’s universities.
Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alternative (April 2025): ‘Candidates may also elect to pursue a master’s degree in teaching, education, or an academic subject that includes an approved certification program.’
MAT and Elementary Education
The most important distinguishing feature of the MAT pathway is elementary education access. Per TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html): ‘Note: The alternate route for Elementary Education is available only through a MAT program (full degree completion required to secure the K-6; partial completion can lead to the 4-6 endorsement).’
Per teachms.org (November 2025): ‘Candidates seeking initial licensure in Elementary Education (4-6, K-6) now have two options to meet the reading requirement: Option 1: Earn a passing score on the Foundations of Reading assessment, or Option 2: Attempt the Foundations of Reading and complete Pathways to Proficient Reading (PPR) with a minimum score of 80%.’
This means: if you want to teach elementary school (K-6) in Mississippi as an alternate route candidate, you must enroll in a MAT program at a Mississippi university. TMI and other secondary-focused programs are not available for K-6 elementary certification.
MAT vs. TMI: Key Differences
| Feature | MAT | TMI |
| Elementary certification (K-6) | YES — full MAT degree required | NO — secondary only |
| Degree earned | Master’s degree (MAT) | No degree — certificate only |
| University-based | Yes — 12 Mississippi university programs | No — University of MS Outreach |
| Cost | Tuition varies by university; typically more than TMI | More affordable; program fees only |
| Timeline | 1-2 years typically | ~1.5 years (TMI 1 + TMI 2) |
| Content areas | Broader range including elementary | 7-12 secondary only |
Sources: TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html) — 12 MAT programs; elementary via MAT only; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — MAT leads to master’s degree; teachms.org (Nov 2025) — Foundations of Reading options.
MAT Program Structure and Elementary Education Access
MAT programs are offered at twelve Mississippi universities and universities. Each program is independently administered by its offering institution, so specific requirements, timelines, and costs vary by program. The common framework includes:
- Graduate-level education coursework toward the MAT degree
- Content-specific pedagogy relevant to the endorsement area
- Supervised field experiences and student teaching (practicum equivalent)
- One-year teaching internship (same as TMI framework)
- Praxis testing requirements (same as other alternate route candidates)
To find current MAT programs: visit the MDE website at mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/ or contact MDE Educator Licensure at 601-359-3483. University programs include institutions such as the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, Alcorn State, Delta State, and others. Each has its own application process and admission requirements.
✔ For Elementary Teaching: If teaching elementary school (K-6) is your goal and you don’t have an education degree, the MAT is your primary pathway. Identify a Mississippi university that offers a MAT program with K-6 elementary certification, apply, and expect to complete the full MAT degree (not just partial completion, which only leads to 4-6 endorsement, not the full K-6).
Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/); TMI programs page — 12 MAT programs; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt; MDE Alternate Route PDF (mdek12.org).
Pathway 3: American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is a nationally recognized online alternative certification provider that is approved by the Mississippi Department of Education as a route to full teacher licensure in Mississippi.
Per teacher.org MS: ‘American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is approved by the Mississippi Department of Education as a route to full teacher licensure. For this route, candidates need to hold a bachelor’s degree and a dedication to the field of education.’
Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alternative (April 2025): ‘American Board Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE): A self-paced, online pathway tailored to high-need subjects. Candidates must partner with a Mississippi-approved provider to fulfill all certification requirements.’
Per research.com MS (March 2026): ‘American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE): A self-paced, online pathway tailored to high-need subjects. Candidates must partner with a Mississippi-approved provider to fulfill all certification requirements.’
Key ABCTE Features
- Self-paced and online: The ABCTE program is fully online and self-directed, making it especially flexible for working professionals who need to fit certification training around existing employment.
- High-need subjects focus: ABCTE specializes in high-need teaching areas. Per TMI programs page: ‘American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) — One program, though it requires additional third-party interaction with a MAT program or other.’
- Partnership requirement: ABCTE candidates must partner with a Mississippi-approved provider to fulfill all certification requirements. The ABCTE credential alone is not sufficient — it must be used in conjunction with a Mississippi-approved program (often a MAT program or other MDE-approved provider).
- Praxis tests: ‘Keep in mind that alternate route candidates are also required to pass one of the approved Praxis II subject area tests for the chosen alternate route program.’ (teacher.org MS)
Contact ABCTE directly at americanboard.org to learn about their current Mississippi-specific offerings, and contact MDE at 601-359-3483 to confirm the current approved partnership providers for ABCTE candidates in Mississippi.
Sources: teacher.org MS — ABCTE MDE-approved; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — self-paced online; high-need subjects; partner with approved provider; research.com MS (March 2026) — ABCTE description.
Pathway 4: iteach Mississippi
iteach Mississippi is a private, online alternative certification provider that operates in Mississippi as an MDE-approved alternate route program. Per teachms.org (November 2025): iteach Mississippi is listed among the alternate-route certification pathways including ‘American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, iteach Mississippi, Teach for America, and Teach Mississippi Institute.’
iteach is a national alternative certification organization that operates in multiple states, offering flexible, online-delivered programs that allow candidates to earn certification while teaching. The iteach model typically involves:
- Online curriculum: Fully online professional development and coursework, typically accessible around a teaching schedule
- Mentorship: Assigned mentor teacher support during the teaching period
- While-you-teach model: Candidates typically begin teaching while completing the iteach program requirements
- Secondary subjects: iteach primarily serves secondary grade levels and content areas
Contact iteach Mississippi directly through iteach.us or check with MDE (mdek12.org) for current program approval status and subject area availability in Mississippi. Program details may have evolved since the most recent source data — verify current information directly with iteach and MDE before applying.
Sources: teachms.org (Nov 3, 2025) — iteach Mississippi listed as alternate route option; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — alternate route providers.
Pathway 5: Teach for America (TFA) in Mississippi
Teach for America (TFA) has operated in Mississippi since 1993 and represents one of the state’s most significant alternative teacher pipelines, particularly for high-need schools in the Mississippi Delta and other underserved regions.
Per alleducationschools.com MS (February 5, 2026): ‘Teach for America (TFA) has been working within the Mississippi region since 1993. In Mississippi, only 11 percent of students graduate college-ready, TFA wants to change that. The key way they seek to change this statistic is by finding qualified individuals to work within high-needs schools.
They primarily look to recruit college graduates who are interested in earning their teacher certification within Mississippi. If you join TFA you will serve a two-year teaching commitment in a high-needs school. Throughout your commitment you will gain the necessary hands-on experience to become a skilled educator.’
TFA Mississippi Key Features
- Duration: Two-year teaching commitment in high-need Mississippi schools
- Salary: TFA corps members receive a salary from the school district employing them — a standard teacher’s salary for the school and district
- Certification support: TFA provides intensive teacher training (summer institute) and ongoing support throughout the 2-year commitment; corps members earn certification through the alternate route framework while serving
- Selectivity: TFA is highly competitive nationally; Mississippi placements go through the TFA application process (apply at teachforamerica.org)
- Placement focus: Mississippi Delta, Jackson, and other high-need communities with documented teacher shortages
- Praxis requirement: TFA corps members in Mississippi must still pass the required Praxis assessments for their teaching area
- Post-corps certification: The standard teaching license earned through TFA is the same Five-Year Standard License earned through TMI or MAT — fully portable and renewable
Sources: alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 5, 2026) — TFA since 1993; 11% college-ready; 2-year commitment; teachms.org — TFA listed as alternate route option.
Pathway 6: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Alternate Route
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) alternate route is Mississippi’s most accessible pathway for professionals without a four-year degree. It is specifically designed for industry experts who want to bring their occupational knowledge to secondary CTE classrooms.
Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alternative (April 2025): ‘Career and technical education (CTE) licensure is available in the secondary grades for candidates with an associate degree or higher and expertise in the content area to be taught.’
| CTE Alternate Route — The Associate Degree Pathway |
| MINIMUM DEGREE: Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution (NOT a full bachelor’s degree required — the only alternate route in Mississippi that doesn’t require a BA). |
| CONTENT EXPERTISE: Must have expertise/experience in the CTE content area to be taught. Occupational experience typically documented through employment records, industry credentials, and licenses. |
| GRADE LEVELS: Secondary grades (6-12) CTE teaching only. Not available for elementary education. |
| CTE SUBJECTS: Agricultural Science, Business Technology, Career Exploration, Cosmetology, Family and Consumer Science, Health Science Technology, Marketing, Technology Education, Trade and Industrial Education, and other MDE-approved CTE areas. |
| CERTIFICATION PROCESS: Standard alternate route framework — approved program, Praxis testing (CTE-specific assessments), one-year internship, then Five-Year Standard License with CTE endorsement. |
| PROFESSIONAL LICENSE: Many CTE areas require holding the appropriate occupational license or industry certification (e.g., licensed electrician for electrical trades, registered nurse for health occupations). |
| Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — ‘associate degree or higher; secondary grades; expertise in content area’; MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/) — CTE as alternate route. |
For CTE candidates: contact MDE Educator Licensure (601-359-3483) for the specific requirements in your CTE area, as content-specific requirements vary significantly across CTE domains. Also contact the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) — which oversees many CTE programs in the state — for additional CTE-specific guidance.
Universal Eligibility Requirements Across All Alternate Route Programs
While each alternate route program has unique features, all share a common set of eligibility requirements established by MDE. Per the MDE and multiple corroborating sources:
- Bachelor’s degree (or associate degree for CTE): From an accredited institution; non-education field
- Basic skills assessment: ‘Candidates for all alternative pathways in Mississippi must have a minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests to meet eligibility requirements.’ (teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt)
- Praxis Subject Test: Passing score on the appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment for the desired endorsement area; required before entering most alternate route programs
- Program enrollment: Must enroll in and complete an MDE-approved alternate route program (TMI, MAT, ABCTE, iteach, or TFA)
- Foundations of Reading (elementary only): Elementary Education candidates must also pass the Foundations of Reading assessment (or satisfy the PPR alternative)
- Background check: Required upon hire by a Mississippi school; specific requirements per district and MDE guidelines
- Provisional license: Issued upon completion of the first program component and passing of required tests; non-renewable; Mississippi-only
- One-year internship: Required before standard license is issued
Sources: Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — all components listed; MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/); teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — universal testing requirement; MDE Certification Pathways PDF.
Required Assessments: Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Tests, and Foundations of Reading
Mississippi’s alternate route certification framework requires three categories of assessments, depending on the candidate’s endorsement area and program.
Per the MDE Certification Pathways PDF: ‘The certification assessments required for non-traditional program completers are the… Praxis [assessments]…’ Per MDE Alternate Route page: ‘Test preparation materials, test registration and additional information regarding current Mississippi State Board of Education approved Praxis assessments are available at: https://www.ets.org/praxis/ms/overview.’
| Assessment | Who Must Pass | How to Register | Purpose |
| Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (OR minimum ACT/SAT score) | ALL alternate route candidates — basic skills requirement | ets.org/praxis — Praxis Core; or submit ACT/SAT scores | Basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics; Mississippi accepts minimum ACT or SAT score as alternative to Praxis Core |
| Praxis II Subject Area Test (content-specific) | ALL alternate route candidates — content knowledge | ets.org/praxis/ms/overview — find Mississippi-approved tests | Content knowledge in the specific teaching endorsement area; varies by subject |
| Foundations of Reading Assessment | Elementary Education candidates only (4-6 and K-6) | msfoundationsofreading.com or MDE — specific Mississippi Foundations of Reading assessment | Reading instruction competency; required for all elementary certification candidates since it aligns with science of reading standards |
| Mississippi Alternative Foundations of Reading (PPR) | Elementary candidates who attempt Foundations of Reading | MDE — Pathways to Proficient Reading option | Alternative to Foundations of Reading passing score: attempt test + complete PPR with 80%+ score |
Sources: Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — ‘Foundations of Reading (for Alternate Route Elementary Education Candidates Only; also requires 5018 Elementary Education Praxis)’; teachms.org (Nov 2025) — two options for Foundations of Reading; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — Praxis Core + ACT/SAT alternative; MDE Certification Pathways PDF — ets.org/praxis/ms/overview.
The Praxis Core: Basic Skills Requirement
All Mississippi alternate route certification candidates must demonstrate basic academic skills through one of three mechanisms: a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, OR a qualifying score on the ACT, OR a qualifying score on the SAT.
This flexibility means that candidates who took the ACT or SAT in high school or college may already have satisfied the basic skills requirement without any additional testing.
- Praxis Core: Three subtests: Academic Skills for Educators — Reading (5713), Writing (5723), and Mathematics (5733). Registration at ets.org. Mississippi minimum passing scores for each subtest are listed in the MDE Guidelines for Educator Licensure.
- ACT alternative: A minimum composite ACT score may substitute for the Praxis Core. Check MDE’s current required minimum ACT score — this is published in the MDE Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12.
- SAT alternative: A minimum SAT score may substitute. Same verification approach — check MDE guidelines for current required SAT minimums.
- Test-taker options: Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt: ‘Candidates for all alternative pathways in Mississippi must have a minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests to meet eligibility requirements.’
✔ Already Have ACT/SAT Scores? If you took the ACT or SAT during high school or college, you may already qualify for the basic skills requirement without taking the Praxis Core. Request your official ACT or SAT score report and compare your scores against MDE’s current minimums (found in the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 at mdek12.org). This can save both time and testing fees.
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025) — ACT/SAT/Praxis Core alternative; MDE Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12; MDE (mdek12.org).
The Praxis II Subject Area Tests for Alternate Route Candidates
In addition to the basic skills requirement, all alternate route candidates must pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment (also called the Praxis Subject Test or Praxis Subject Area Assessment) specific to their desired teaching endorsement area. These tests assess deep content knowledge in the subject to be taught.
Per Jackson PS Alternate Route: ‘Once you have successfully completed testing requirements, you must enroll in an alternate route program and complete the training or coursework required.’ This means testing comes BEFORE program enrollment for most programs — you need to pass Praxis tests first, then apply to the alternate route program.
| Subject Area | Praxis Test Required (Examples) | Notes |
| Biology (7-12) | Praxis Biology: Content Knowledge (5235) | TMI-accepted |
| Chemistry (7-12) | Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) | TMI-accepted |
| Mathematics (7-12) | Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161) | TMI-accepted |
| English (7-12) | Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) | TMI-accepted |
| Physics (7-12) | Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) | TMI-accepted |
| Social Studies (7-12) | Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) | TMI-accepted |
| Business Education (7-12) | Praxis Business Education: Content Knowledge (5101) | TMI-accepted |
| Elementary Education (4-6) | Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001 series) + Foundations of Reading | MAT programs only; TMI cannot certify 4-6 |
| Elementary Education (K-6) | Praxis Elementary Education assessments + Foundations of Reading | MAT full degree required; TMI cannot certify K-6 |
Sources: TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/about.html) — all 11 TMI-accepted subjects listed; Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — testing before program enrollment; teacher.org MS — Praxis II required; MDE Certification Pathways PDF — ets.org/praxis/ms/overview.
Elementary Education: The Foundations of Reading Requirement
Elementary education certification through the alternate route in Mississippi requires an additional assessment: the Foundations of Reading. This requirement reflects Mississippi’s commitment to evidence-based, science-of-reading instruction — a critical policy priority given the state’s historically challenging literacy outcomes.
Per teachms.org (November 3, 2025): ‘Candidates seeking initial licensure in Elementary Education (4-6, K-6) — now have two options to meet the reading requirement: Option 1: Earn a passing score on the Foundations of Reading assessment, or Option 2: Attempt the Foundations of Reading and complete Pathways to Proficient Reading (PPR) with a minimum score of 80%.’
Per Jackson PS Alternate Route: ‘Foundations of Reading (for Alternate Route Elementary Education Candidates Only; also requires 5018 Elementary Education Praxis)’ — confirming that the Foundations of Reading is required alongside (not instead of) the standard Praxis Elementary Education assessment.
Option 2 (the PPR pathway) is noteworthy: it allows candidates who attempt the Foundations of Reading test but do not pass it on the first attempt to complete the Pathways to Proficient Reading course with a score of 80% or higher as a substitute for the passing score. This provides an alternative pathway for candidates who struggle with the assessment format.
For the Foundations of Reading registration and preparation: contact MDE and check msfoundationsofreading.com for the Mississippi-specific assessment details.
Sources: teachms.org (Nov 3, 2025) — two options for Foundations of Reading; PPR 80% alternative; Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — Foundations of Reading for elementary only; Praxis 5018 also required.
The One-Year Teaching Internship
Every Mississippi alternate route candidate must complete a one-year teaching internship at an MDE-accredited school. This internship is the cornerstone of the alternate route certification model — it is where the candidate demonstrates real teaching competency in an actual classroom under the structure of a mentorship and induction program.
Per the MDE Alternate Route page and Jackson PS: ‘All Alternate Route programs have the following components: [including] Alternate Route Teacher Preparation Program that includes training or coursework followed by a one-year internship.’
Per TMI: ‘The internship is your first full year of teaching at a Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) accredited school. Mentoring will be provided during the internship.’
- Mentoring: All alternate route internships include formal mentoring by an experienced teacher at the school. Per Jackson PS: the internship includes a ‘mentorship and induction program.’
- MDE-accredited school: The internship must be at a Mississippi public or private school that is accredited by MDE. This is a formal accreditation requirement — contact MDE to verify a school’s status.
- Timing: The internship occurs during the first full year of actual teaching at an MDE-accredited school. For TMI, this is concurrent with TMI 2 enrollment.
- Licensing during internship: The provisional (non-renewable) alternate route license is held during the internship. This provisional license is valid only in Mississippi.
- Completion outcome: Successful completion of the internship + program = eligibility to apply for the Five-Year Standard Teaching License.
Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/) — all programs require 1-yr internship; Jackson PS (jackson.k12.ms.us) — ‘mentorship and induction program’; TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu) — ‘full year of teaching; mentoring provided’; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alt (April 2025).
Pay During the Internship: Third-Year Teacher Rate
One of the most practically important features of Mississippi’s alternate route certification framework — and one that makes it financially viable for career changers — is the compensation structure during the teaching internship. Per TMI: ‘You will be paid based on your bachelor’s degree status as a third-year teacher.’
This means that from Day 1 of the teaching internship, the alternate route candidate is paid at the same rate as a traditionally certified teacher who has been teaching for three years at the bachelor’s degree lane of the salary schedule. This is not a training stipend or a reduced salary — it is a professional teacher’s salary at a specific step of the district’s pay scale.
The practical financial implication: for many career changers who left higher-paying private-sector jobs to pursue teaching, the third-year teacher salary provides meaningful income during the transition. Mississippi’s average teacher salary ($53,704 per NEA 2023-24) is relatively low by national standards, but third-year teacher salaries at individual districts may be higher or lower depending on the district’s salary schedule.
For the provisional license period (before the internship), candidates do not receive a salary — they are still in the training phase. The salary begins when the candidate is employed as a teacher under the provisional license during the internship year.
Sources: TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu/programs.html; tmi.olemiss.edu/admission2.html) — ‘paid based on bachelor’s degree status as a third-year teacher’; NEA 2023-24 — $53,704 avg.
From Provisional License to Five-Year Standard License
The alternate route license progression has two stages: the provisional license (bridge credential during internship) and the Five-Year Standard Teaching License (the fully professional, renewable credential).
| Alternate Route License Progression — From Provisional to Standard |
| STAGE 1 — PROVISIONAL LICENSE (AFTER PROGRAM + TESTS): |
| – Issued after completing the first program component (e.g., TMI 1) and passing required Praxis tests |
| – Valid: 1 year (for some programs); or 3 years (depending on program structure per teachms.org) |
| – NON-RENEWABLE: ‘The provisional license cannot be renewed — you’ll need to convert to the five-year license’ (teachms.org) |
| – PORTABILITY: ‘Good only in Mississippi’ (TMI) — provisional license is not portable to other states |
| – DURING THIS STAGE: Secure a teaching position, complete the internship, and complete all remaining program requirements |
| STAGE 2 — FIVE-YEAR STANDARD TEACHING LICENSE (AFTER INTERNSHIP + FULL PROGRAM): |
| – Issued upon successful completion of the full alternate route program and one-year internship |
| – Valid: 5 years; RENEWABLE upon meeting continuing education/professional development requirements |
| – PORTABILITY: Standard license; portable to other states through reciprocity |
| – ENDORSEMENTS: ‘Endorsements can be added by coursework, an approved program, or passing a subject test’ (teachms.org) |
| – ‘The standard license can be upgraded based on additional education or experience’ (teachms.org) |
| Sources: TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu) — ‘provisional good only in Mississippi; non-renewable’; teachms.org (Nov 2025) — ‘1 or 3 year provisional; 5-yr renewable standard’; ‘cannot be renewed — convert to 5-yr.’ |
How to Apply Through MDE
All Mississippi teacher license applications — including alternate route applications — are submitted to the MDE Division of Educator Licensure. The process for alternate route candidates follows a defined sequence:
- Decide on subject area and grade level. This determines which alternate route program is appropriate and which Praxis tests are required. TMI for 7-12 secondary; MAT for elementary or graduate degree preference.
- Pass required Praxis assessments. Praxis Core (or ACT/SAT) AND the Praxis II Subject Test for your desired endorsement area. Elementary candidates also need Foundations of Reading. Register at ets.org/praxis/ms/overview. Per MDE: testing is required BEFORE enrolling in the program.
- Enroll in an MDE-approved alternate route program. TMI: tmi.olemiss.edu or [email protected] (662-915-7314). MAT: Apply to one of Mississippi’s 12 university MAT programs. ABCTE: americanboard.org + MDE-approved partner. iteach: iteach.us. TFA: teachforamerica.org.
- Complete the program training/coursework. TMI 1 (13-week online); MAT coursework; ABCTE self-paced; iteach program; or TFA summer institute.
- Complete field experience. TMI: 60 hours of field experience/observation during TMI 1. Other programs have equivalent requirements.
- Receive provisional alternate route license. After passing tests and completing training, the program recommends you for the provisional license. Apply to MDE Division of Educator Licensure (601-359-3483; mdek12.org/licensure/).
- Secure a teaching position. Apply to MDE-accredited Mississippi public or private schools. TMI offers career services assistance. MDE Job Search Assistance page available.
- Complete the one-year internship. Teach at MDE-accredited school; receive mentoring; complete TMI 2 or equivalent final program component.
- Apply for Five-Year Standard License. Upon program completion and internship, apply to MDE for the standard license (mdek12.org/licensure/).
Sources: Jackson PS (jackson.k12.ms.us) — steps 1-3; TMI (tmi.olemiss.edu) — program enrollment and internship; MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/) — MDE application; MDE Certification Pathways PDF.
Mississippi Teacher Salary and Job Outlook
Salary Data
| Metric | Amount | Rank/Context | Source |
| Average teacher salary (2023-24) | $53,704 | 50th nationally — lowest in US | NEA 2023-24 Rankings |
| National average (2023-24) | $72,030 | — | NEA 2023-24 |
| Entry-level (estimated) | $37,000-$43,000 | Varies by district | Mississippi salary schedules |
| MCCB salary data | Lowest-paying state for teachers | Significant cost-of-living offset | NEA; NCTQ analysis |
Sources: NEA 2023-24 Rankings — ‘$53,704; last nationally’; NEA 2026 — ‘MS $54,975; last nationally.’
Mississippi’s teacher salaries are the lowest in the nation by a consistent margin. This is a candid and important fact for any career changer evaluating Mississippi teaching.
However, Mississippi also has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States — the 2021 MERIC data places Mississippi’s cost of living at approximately 83% of the national average, meaning salaries stretch further than nominal comparisons suggest.
Teacher housing affordability is significantly better in Mississippi than in higher-paying states like Massachusetts or California.
Job Outlook
Mississippi’s teacher shortage is acute and persistent. With only 11% of students graduating college-ready (TFA data), the demand for qualified teachers — particularly in STEM, Special Education, and rural communities — is among the highest in the Southeast.
The state’s alternate route framework exists precisely because traditional university-based teacher production pipelines cannot meet this demand.
BLS national projections for K-12 teachers show slight employment decline (2024-34) due to falling school-age populations nationally — but Mississippi-specific dynamics differ, particularly in districts with growing populations or high teacher attrition.
Per the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), Mississippi has chronic teacher vacancies in high-need subjects (STEM, SpEd, ELL) that alternate route programs are specifically designed to fill.
Sources: BLS OOH 2024-34 — national projections; TFA — 11% college-ready; NEA 2026 — $54,975 MS avg (2024-25 est.).
Financial Incentives for Mississippi Teachers
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): All Mississippi public school teachers are employed by school districts (government employers), qualifying for PSLF. After 120 qualifying monthly payments under an income-driven repayment plan, remaining federal loan balance is forgiven tax-free. Enroll at studentaid.gov/pslf on Day 1.
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Up to $17,500 for Special Education, Mathematics, and Science teachers at Title I schools after 5 consecutive years; $5,000 for other shortage areas. Mississippi’s high concentration of Title I schools means most alternate route teachers qualify. Visit studentaid.gov.
- TEACH Grants: Up to $4,000/year for education students committing to teach in shortage areas at high-need schools.
- Mississippi Critical Needs Loan Repayment Program: Mississippi may offer state-specific loan repayment assistance for teachers in critical shortage areas. Contact the Mississippi Department of Education or Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) for current program availability.
- Third-year salary from Day 1: The alternate route internship salary (third-year teacher rate) provides immediate income — avoid the financial gap that traditional student teacher programs impose.
Sources: studentaid.gov/pslf; studentaid.gov — TLF; alleducationschools.com MS — financial aid options.
Which Alternate Route Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Best Pathway | First Step |
| BA in secondary subject area (7-12); want to start teaching as quickly as possible | TMI Online — fastest secondary route | Visit tmi.olemiss.edu; check Praxis requirements for your subject; register for Praxis tests at ets.org/praxis/ms/overview |
| Want to teach elementary school (K-6 or 4-6); have BA in any field | MAT program at a Mississippi university (full degree required for K-6) | Identify Mississippi universities with MAT programs for elementary; apply to program |
| Want a graduate degree alongside certification; flexible on timeline | MAT program (graduate degree + license) | Research the 12 Mississippi MAT programs at mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/; compare by subject area and university |
| Prefer self-paced, online learning; in a high-need subject area | ABCTE — self-paced online | Visit americanboard.org; confirm current Mississippi-approved partner provider with MDE (601-359-3483) |
| Recent graduate committed to high-need schools for 2 years; want competitive selection | Teach for America | Apply at teachforamerica.org; TFA application cycle typically opens in fall for next school year |
| Technical/vocational professional with associate degree and industry experience; want to teach CTE | CTE Alternate Route — associate degree accepted | Contact MDE (601-359-3483) for CTE-specific requirements; identify your CTE subject area; check whether you need an occupational license |
| Prefer flexible online delivery; secondary subjects | iteach Mississippi | Visit iteach.us; confirm current MDE approval status by calling 601-359-3483 |
How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi Without a Degree: FAQs
Can I teach in Mississippi without an education degree?
Yes, if you hold a bachelor’s degree in any non-education field (or an associate degree for CTE teaching). Mississippi’s alternate route certification framework is specifically designed for individuals with non-education bachelor’s degrees who want to teach. The three primary MDE-approved alternate route programs are the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI), the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE). Additional options include iteach Mississippi and Teach for America. Each pathway leads to the same Five-Year Standard Teaching License as traditionally prepared teachers.
What is TMI and how does it work?
The Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) is an MDE-accredited alternate route program for college graduates, operated by the University of Mississippi. It is fully online and covers secondary subjects (7-12) only — not elementary. TMI has two parts: TMI 1 is a 13-week online training program covering classroom management, instructional strategies, Mississippi standards, and lesson planning. Candidates also complete 60 hours of field experience. After completing TMI 1 and passing required Praxis tests, candidates receive a provisional license and secure a teaching position. TMI 2 is the first year of teaching (the internship), taken concurrently with final program components. During the internship, candidates are paid at the third-year teacher rate. Upon completing both TMI components and the internship, candidates apply for the Five-Year Standard Teaching License.
Can I teach elementary school through an alternate route in Mississippi?
Yes, but only through a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Per TMI: ‘The alternate route for Elementary Education is available only through a MAT program (full degree completion required to secure the K-6; partial completion can lead to the 4-6 endorsement).’ TMI and other secondary-focused alternate route programs cannot certify elementary (K-6) teachers. Elementary candidates must enroll in one of Mississippi’s 12 university MAT programs and complete the full MAT degree for K-6 certification. Elementary candidates also need the Foundations of Reading assessment in addition to the standard Praxis Elementary Education tests.
What Praxis tests do I need for Mississippi alternate route certification?
All alternate route candidates need: (1) Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators OR a qualifying ACT or SAT score (basic skills); (2) Praxis II Subject Assessment for the specific endorsement area (content knowledge). Elementary Education candidates also need the Foundations of Reading assessment. TMI accepts the following 7-12 Praxis Subject Assessments: Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, Economics, English, Family and Consumer Science, Marketing Education, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Speech Communications. Register for Praxis tests at ets.org/praxis/ms/overview.
How much do alternate route teachers earn during the internship?
Per TMI: ‘You will be paid based on your bachelor’s degree status as a third-year teacher.’ This means alternate route candidates receive a full professional teacher’s salary during the one-year internship — paid at the same rate as a teacher in their district’s salary schedule who has been teaching for three years at the bachelor’s degree lane. This is one of the most financially attractive aspects of the Mississippi alternate route framework for career changers who need income during their transition to teaching.
How long does it take to become certified through the alternate route in Mississippi?
Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS Alternative: ‘Mississippi alternative teacher preparation and training programs can be completed in as little as one year.’ The TMI pathway is approximately 1.5 years total: 13 weeks for TMI 1 + one full year of teaching for the TMI 2 internship. MAT programs typically take 1-2 years for the full master’s degree. The ABCTE self-paced program timeline varies by the candidate’s pace. All pathways require a minimum of one year of teaching internship before the standard license is issued.
How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi Without a Degree: Conclusion
Becoming a teacher in Mississippi without a teaching degree is not only possible — it is a well-established, MDE-supported pathway that thousands of Mississippians have used to enter the teaching profession.
The state’s three core alternate route methods (TMI, MAT, and ABCTE), supplemented by iteach Mississippi, Teach for America, and the CTE pathway, provide options for every type of career changer: the secondary teacher candidate who wants the fastest route (TMI), the elementary education aspirant who wants both a graduate degree and K-6 certification (MAT), the self-directed learner in a high-need subject (ABCTE), and the mission-driven recent graduate committed to high-need schools (TFA).
The financial structure of the internship — paid at the third-year teacher rate from Day 1 — makes the career transition economically viable. The Praxis testing requirements (Core + Subject Test, with ACT/SAT alternatives for the core) are manageable with adequate preparation.
And the outcome — a Five-Year Standard Teaching License that is renewable, portable, and identical to the credential earned by traditionally trained teachers — is a real professional credential, not a second-tier substitute.
Start at mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/ to see the current MDE-approved alternate route programs. Register for your Praxis tests at ets.org/praxis/ms/overview. If secondary (7-12) is your goal, visit tmi.olemiss.edu or call TMI at 662-915-7314.
If elementary education is your path, identify a Mississippi MAT program and apply. Mississippi’s students — only 11% of whom currently graduate college-ready — need the qualified, committed teachers that the alternate route framework is designed to bring to their classrooms.
MDE | mdek12.org | 601-359-3483 | TMI | tmi.olemiss.edu | [email protected] | 662-915-7314 | Praxis | ets.org/praxis/ms/overview | Data current as of June 2025