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Special Education Teachers, Middle School Licensing in Mississippi

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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

    $49,760 median (23% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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 $49,760, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Mississippi earn 23% below the national median of $64,880. Mississippi ranks #48 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

$49,760

Hourly estimate

$23.92
23% below national median

Difference: -$15,120

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,040
  • P2525th percentile$47,600
  • P50Median$49,760
  • P7575th percentile$59,570
  • P9090th percentile$61,940

State vs National Median

State: $49,760
National: $64,880

Total employment: 970 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Ranking

#48 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Middle School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$99,270
#2Washington$95,440
#3New York$91,280
#4Rhode Island$89,840
#5Massachusetts$85,020

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Mississippi$49,760Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$55,510Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Alabama$60,760Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$54,060Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$53,660Degree 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 Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Mississippi?

Mississippi lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Mississippi?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensure in Mississippi.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Mississippi?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Mississippi is $49,760. Salaries range from $45,040 (10th percentile) to $61,940 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Mississippi earn 23% below the national median of $64,880, with a state median of $49,760.

How many Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools work in Mississippi?

Mississippi employs approximately 970 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools 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 Special Education Teachers, Middle School license in Mississippi?

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