Licensing commission backs I Teach Mississippi non‑traditional pathway with annual oversight requirement

The Mississippi Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification, Licensure and Development voted Jan. 5 to recommend that the State Board of Education approve I Teach Mississippi as an educator preparation provider (EPP) offering a non‑traditional pathway to teacher licensure and to begin the Administrative Procedures Act process to revise licensure guidelines.

MDE staff summarized ad hoc committee recommendations adopted by the commission: assignment of a Mississippi‑based field supervisor who holds a valid standard educator license and a master’s degree and who conducts a minimum of four on‑site observations during the candidate’s year‑long teaching residency; assignment of an effective mentor teacher evidenced by a summative Mississippi Professional Growth System observation rating of 3 or higher via a local school district assurance; a requirement that the provider meet State Board‑approved EPP standards outlined in the educator preparation process and performance review guidelines; and annual approval to operate via a memorandum of agreement authorized by the state superintendent of education if all requirements are met.

Chair David Martin called for a motion; Jackie Critch moved to approve and Dylan Baldwin seconded. During discussion, an unidentified representative of the Mississippi Association for Colleges for Teacher Education (MACT)—representing in‑state public and private IHEs—read a prepared statement expressing concern that an out‑of‑state, for‑profit provider could undercut local institutions and asked, “Why would the state seek to outsource educator preparation to an out of state for profit entity rather than seek to collaborate internally to arrive at a pathway with similar benefits?”

Chair Martin and MDE staff responded that the commission’s role is to set minimum criteria for operation and that providers that meet those criteria may apply to operate; MDE staff noted that the annual memorandum of agreement and superintendent sign‑off would be part of oversight. Commissioner Aplin asked how MDE would verify ongoing compliance; MDE staff said providers would submit annual documentation and must meet the criteria previously outlined.

The motion carried; the chair stated a majority remained despite recorded nays but did not provide a roll‑call tally. The commission’s action directs staff to proceed with the Administrative Procedures Act process and the State Board of Education will consider final approval under the memorandum‑of‑agreement framework.

Ending: The Commission moved on to the next agenda item after the motion carried and discussion concluded.