GRADUATE RESIDENCY

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Beginning in summer 2022, the first cohort of graduate residents began studying at USM with support from a $2-million grant from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) as part of a statewide initiative to expand and diversify the teacher pipeline. To learn more about this grant, click here.

The Golden Eagle Teacher Residency Program was awarded a 2024 AmeriCorps State Grant worth over $319,000 to support educator preparation at the graduate level. Starting in July 2024, up to 30 graduate teacher residents at Southern Miss began serving as AmeriCorps volunteers within local elementary schools. Click here to learn more about that announcement.

Program Components

• For graduate students who do not already possess an educator license
• One year master’s degree program (summer, fall and spring semesters) in inclusive elementary education that prepares candidates for elementary K-6 and special education mild/moderate K-8 licensure
• Full academic year residency experience in local elementary classroom
• Participants interview with USM and partnering districts as part of selection process
• Applicants must already possess a bachelor's degree and either meet the minimum required passing score on the Praxis Core, have a 21 or higher on the ACT/SAT equivalent, or have a 3.0 GPA (60 hours of coursework)

Benefits

• Up to full-tuition scholarships available
• Monthly living stipend available for residents serving as AmeriCorps members
• Free textbooks and licensure testing fees
• Classroom support from two high-quality mentor teachers
• Licensure assessment preparation
• Networking and career connection opportunities

Degree Plan

Inclusive Elementary Education MAT Degree Plan

2024-25 Partner School Districts

• Columbia School District
• Forrest County School District
• Hattiesburg Public School District
• Jackson County School District
• Jefferson Davis County School District
• Lamar County School District
• Moss Point School District
• Pass Christian Public School District
• South Pike School District

The application is currently closed. Please complete the "Ask a Question" form linked below to be added to our contact list for the next program application cycle.

ASK A QUESTION