MS SB2042

Increases the minimum annual salary for assistant teachers from $12,500 to $16,500 effective for the 2016-2017 school year and thereafter.

Maintains provisions requiring assistant teachers to have a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrable proficiency in reading and writing skills.

Requires school districts to provide training, supervision, and annual evaluation of assistant teacher programs to ensure effective classroom instruction in kindergarten through third grade.

Establishes that assistant teachers may assume classroom responsibility for no more than three consecutive school days when the licensed teacher is absent.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.