Teacher Education at The W

Navigating Teacher Education at The W

At The W, we are committed to preparing confident, capable educators. This page provides a clear path through Teacher Education, from getting started to licensure and beyond. Explore the information below to learn about our programs, requirements, and the support you’ll receive every step of the way.

Becoming a teacher involves declaring education as a major, completing an approved educator preparation program, participating in field experiences, and successfully completing an internship (student teaching) and licensure requirements.

At The W, this process is designed to support you every step of the way, from your first education course through your first teaching position. Contact our Student Navigator, Christi Dillon, to learn more about our education programs and the application process.

education@muw.edu

The School of Education offers undergraduate pathways that lead to teacher licensure in high-demand areas. Explore our undergraduate programs:

• Early Childhood Education (PreK-K)
• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Elementary + Middle & High School Options (K-6/7-12/K-12)
• Music Education (K-12)
• Majors Partnering With Education (7-12/K-12)

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, you can still become a licensed teacher through an alternative pathway. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs at The W are designed for individuals who want to transition into teaching while earning a graduate degree and meeting licensure requirements.

This pathway allows you to begin teaching while completing program requirements, making it a flexible and efficient option for career changers. Explore our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education (K-6)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education (7-12/K-12)

Class Levels of Mississippi Licenses

Class A = Bachelor’s level license
Class AA = Master’s degree-level license
Class AAA = Specialist degree-level license
Class AAAA = Doctorate degree level license

Higher-level class licenses command higher salaries. See the Teacher Salary Schedule from the Mississippi Department of Education.

Other limited and specialty licenses may be obtained from MDE. For more information on teacher licensure, we suggest reviewing the Mississippi Department of Education’s Licensure Guidelines.

Thinking about coming to The W but want to teach in another state, territory, or country? No problem! Mississippi has agreements with most states, so a Mississippi teaching license can often be used in other states. Many states offer reciprocity agreements, but additional requirements may apply. You can find contact information for every state on the U.S. Department of Education’s State Contacts page, which you can access through The W’s Licensure Reciprocity page.

The W’s School of Education has the tools, resources, and programs to support you at EVERY STEP of your career as a teacher. We call it The W Difference for a reason.

As a student, you’ll learn from experienced faculty, get help from top tutoring services, and have a Student Success Navigator to guide you along the way. Our campus offers many student-centered supports to help you complete your degree and launch your teaching career.

As a new teacher, you’ll rely on the Center for Educational Support to find programs designed to meet the needs of new educators and to connect with Mentor Teachers, educational events, conferences, and opportunities in policy and advocacy in the field of education. Throughout your career, the CES will be there to help you earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to stay informed on the latest teaching methods and invite you to workshops, institutes, and events.

Once you are in your classroom and you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we have graduate degrees and endorsements in Education.

For educators who are already licensed, The W offers graduate programs designed to strengthen instructional practice, expand expertise, and support continued professional growth. Our programs are built for working educators and focus on practical, classroom-ready application.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Multiple Exceptionalities is a one-of-a-kind program that provides advanced preparation and leads to endorsements in both Special Education (Mild/Moderate) and Gifted Education, equipping educators to support a wide range of learners. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education is designed for teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of curriculum and instruction and enhance their classroom effectiveness. Explore our graduate programs:

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Multiple Exceptionalities