Mississippi Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Mississippi: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Mississippi guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Mississippi
How to become an IEP advocate is one of the most common questions among Mississippi special education teachers, and with approximately 910 disability educators serving 13% of the state’s students across 152 school districts, & over 1,500 positions unfilled as recently as 2022-23, the need for skilled, knowledgeable advocates within Mississippi’s schools has never been more urgent.
Mississippi certifies disability educators through the MDE Office of Educator Licensure under a four-class license structure: Class A (bachelor’s), Class AA (master’s), Class AAA (specialist), and Class AAAA (doctorate). All licenses are valid for five years. Candidates must complete an MDE-approved educator preparation program, pass the Praxis CORE academic skills test, the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam, and the Praxis Subject Assessment for their area. Special education license areas include Special Education Birth-Kindergarten, Emotional Disability, and a range of categorical tracks. Applications are submitted through the Mississippi Educator Career Continuum Archive (MECCA) system.
As of October 2025, Mississippi introduced a new pathway for special education candidates: rather than passing the Foundations of Reading exam, candidates may complete a free AIM Institute course to satisfy the reading requirement — a change designed to bring more educators into the field.
Explore how Mississippi compares to other states: Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to almost 80 CTLE-eligible PD courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in Mississippi
All Mississippi educator licenses are valid for five years and renewed through the MECCA system. Class A license holders must complete one of the following: 10 CEUs, or 3 semester hours plus 5 CEUs, or 6 semester hours. Class AA, AAA, and AAAA holders may renew with 3 semester hours or 5 CEUs. One CEU equals 10 contact hours of professional development.
An important note for Mississippi educators: MDE no longer directly approves CEU programs. All professional learning credit must be issued through an accredited CEU granting agency, such as a college or university continuing education office. Educators should verify that any external provider’s coursework has been approved through one of these agencies before submitting for renewal.
NASET’s course library is built specifically for disability educators and aligns with the professional learning priorities that most districts recognize. Contact your district administrator to confirm how NASET coursework can support your renewal requirements.
Become a NASET Member today save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education, which is the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!
Special Education Teacher Salary in Mississippi
Salary Overview
- Mississippi disability educators earn an average of approximately $47,833–$57,864 annually, depending on the data source, license class, and district.
- Starting salaries begin at $41,500 for Class A license holders, with advanced degree classes increasing base pay at each level.
- National Board Certified teachers receive an additional $6,000 annual supplement, making board certification one of the highest-return credential investments available in the state.
Job Market
- Special education is a critical shortage area in Mississippi, with over 1,500 unfilled positions recorded in 2022-23 and a projected growth rate of 3.3% — above the national average.
- Districts in Pascagoula, Gulfport, and Clarksdale consistently report salaries above the state average, offering meaningful career advancement opportunities for credentialed educators.
How to Become an IEP Advocate in Mississippi
How to become an IEP advocate starts with a foundational question: what does an IEP advocate actually do? In Mississippi, IEP advocates help families navigate the special education process, reviewing IEPs and evaluation reports, attending IEP meetings, identifying gaps in services, and ensuring that students’ rights under IDEA are upheld. Importantly, no federal law requires advocates to hold a specific license or degree, which means disability educators are among the most qualified people to step into this role.
For Mississippi educators looking to formalize their advocacy skills, NASET’s Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (BCASE) is the most recognized credential in the field. The BCASE prepares educators to interpret evaluations, develop IEP goals, navigate due process, and serve as effective intermediaries between families and school systems.
Key steps for Mississippi educators who want to become IEP advocates:
- Build deep knowledge of IDEA, Mississippi’s special education regulations, and procedural safeguards
- Develop IEP writing, goal-setting, and progress monitoring skills through formal training and experience
- Learn how to review and analyze evaluation data, including eligibility criteria and present levels of performance
- Pursue the NASET BCASE credential for formal recognition of your advocacy expertise
- Connect with organizations such as Disability Rights Mississippi and Families as Allies, which coordinate advocacy efforts statewide
NASET’s landmark cases in special education resource and IEP tools library are practical starting points for any Mississippi educator building advocacy skills.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for Mississippi Special Education Teachers
State Resources
- Mississippi Department of Education — Office of Special Education
- MDE Educator Licensure and MECCA System
- Disability Rights Mississippi
- Families as Allies — Parent Rights Resources
- NASET Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (BCASE)
- NASET Landmark Cases in Special Education
- NASET Forms, Checklists & Procedures for Special Educators
- NASET IEPs from Around the Country
- Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
Advance Your Career With NASET
For Mississippi disability educators, becoming an IEP advocate is not a separate career — it is an extension of the expertise they already bring to every IEP meeting, evaluation, and family conversation.
The Membership gives you instant access to nearly 80 professional development courses, IEP tools, advocacy resources, and publications built exclusively for disability educators. Contact your Mississippi district administrator to confirm how NASET coursework can apply toward your renewal requirements.
The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) is the nationally recognized credential for career advancement in this field. Members receive 15% off all certifications — including the BCASE.
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