Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR)
Mississippi Department of Education
State-funded grants through nine Mississippi universities that cover tuition and expenses for people earning an elementary or special education teaching license, with a commitment to teach in a critical shortage area.
- How much
- Tuition and expenses (amount set by each participating university program)
- Who qualifies
- Candidates seeking an initial license or supplemental endorsement in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education Mild/Moderate (K-12) through a participating university; commitment to teach in a Mississippi geographical critical shortage area. Detailed eligibility is set by each university.
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For elementary education, special education students
- When to apply
- Check dates Set by each participating university
- How to apply
- Contact the teacher residency contact at a participating university for its application steps, eligibility and timeline (contacts listed on MDE's Mississippi Teacher Residency page)
- Last checked
- October 22, 2026, against the official page (mdek12.org)
The details
MDE awards state-funded grants to university educator preparation programs, which enroll residents to complete an approved program for an initial license or supplemental endorsement in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education Mild/Moderate (K-12). MTR grants cover tuition and expenses and include training alongside a mentor teacher, licensure test support and professional development, with a commitment to teach in a geographical critical shortage area. Participating universities: Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi Christian University, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey.
More money from Mississippi
- Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)Up to $2,500 per year (not more than tuition and required fees)
- Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)Up to $500 per year (freshmen and sophomores); up to $1,000 per year (juniors and seniors)
- Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP)Full tuition and required fees at a Mississippi public institution (private institutions: the average public four-year tuition and fees)
- Nissan Scholarship (NISS)Full tuition, required fees, and a book allowance
- UPSKILL Mississippi Grant (Upgrading Priority Skills for Key Industry Learning and Labor)Remaining tuition and required fees after other grant aid, plus a $500 annual stipend (prorated by enrollment)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.