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Verified by MS Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Mississippi

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Mississippi

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Licensure Application Instructions.

  7. 7

    Your MECCA account will provide you with your Educator ID number and allow you to upload supporting documents for your application.

  8. 8

    When applying online, remember that supporting documents from the Licensure Checklist must be uploaded with your application to complete the licensure request.

  9. 9

    A complete packet includes an application, plus all documents listed under your licensure category from the Licensure checklist.

  10. 10

    Traditional Route Licensure Types - Pre-Service Teacher License and Standard Teacher License.

  11. 11

    Pre-Service Teacher License.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), **Five-Year Alternative Certification Option

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Mississippi Department of Education • MS Board of Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $26,620 median (28% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #50 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; Licensure Application Instructions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Mississippi Department of Education~MS Board of Education and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Mississippi

With a median salary of $26,620, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Mississippi earn 28% below the national median of $37,120. Mississippi ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.5%

Average Weekly Wage

$999

Median annual salary

$26,620

Hourly estimate

$12.80
28% below national median

Difference: -$10,500

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$18,760
  • P2525th percentile$21,150
  • P50Median$26,620
  • P7575th percentile$38,780
  • P9090th percentile$44,820

State vs National Median

State: $26,620
National: $37,120

Total employment: 3,130 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#50 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Mississippi$26,620Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$35,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Alabama$27,630Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$36,390Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$30,050Degree requiredState exam required5 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Mississippi Department of Education • MS Board of Education

P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS, 39205-0771

Phone: 6013593483

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Mississippi

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$61,670Specific course required1-17 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$66,960Specific course required1-17 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$76,060Specific course required1-17 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$61,150Specific course required1-17 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Mississippi?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Mississippi?

Mississippi lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Mississippi?

The board typically expects Degree required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Mississippi.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Mississippi?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Mississippi is $26,620. Salaries range from $18,760 (10th percentile) to $44,820 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Mississippi earn 28% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $26,620.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Mississippi?

Mississippi employs approximately 3,130 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Mississippi from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Mississippi?

The licensing agency is Mississippi Department of Education / MS Board of Education. Review agency details at https://www.mdek12.org/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Mississippi?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.