The W, CMSD celebrate teacher residency partnership
Mississippi University for Women and the Columbus Municipal School District (CMSD) are working together to build a stronger local teacher pipeline through a collaborative residency program.
Faculty and staff from The W and CMSD gathered at Brandon Central Services Center Thursday, Jan. 29, to celebrate success in building strong classrooms and signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
“Through our partnership with CMSD, we are addressing the critical needs of our community and state by creating a local pipeline of well-prepared educators who know and care for the community they serve,” said Dr. Martin Hatton, dean of the School of Education at The W.
In fall 2025, Mississippi University for Women received a $140,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) through the Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR) program. As part of this initiative, five W education students were selected as MTR interns, with four placed in the Columbus Municipal School District and one placed in the Natchez-Adams School District, where they are paired with experienced mentor teachers.
Each intern receives tuition assistance, licensure exam fees, licensure exam preparation resources, coaching sessions, education-focused technology subscriptions and the option to complete additional special education (SPED) endorsement coursework after graduation at no cost to the student. CMSD teacher mentors receive stipends through the MTR program in recognition of their time, expertise and commitment to developing the next generation of Mississippi educators.
Following completion of the internship, degree and licensure requirements, W graduates will be encouraged to apply for open teaching positions in the district and, if hired, will receive structured onboarding and continued professional support.
CMSD Superintendent Craig Chapman said, “Our partnership with Mississippi University for Women is a strategic response to the growing teacher shortage. By creating clear pathways for aspiring educators, we are investing in a sustainable pipeline of highly qualified teachers who are prepared to serve our students and our community. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to continuing this work as we build strong capacity and long-term support for teachers.”
“This partnership directly supports teacher recruitment and retention by providing early, meaningful classroom experiences paired with exceptional mentor teachers,” said Dr. Kelly Ballard, chair of the Department of Education. “Together, The W and CMSD are creating a model that not only prepares future teachers well but also supports them in staying and thriving in our local schools.”
According to MDE, the Mississippi Teacher Residency program is part of a statewide initiative to expand the teacher pipeline and retain highly effective educators, ensuring all students have well-prepared, appropriately licensed teachers equipped to support academic growth.
About the School of Education
The W’s School of Education is dedicated to education from early childhood through post-graduation and fosters excellence through teacher preparation, professional development and community engagement. Its programs empower educators and learners to grow, lead and make a lasting impact across the region.