MS SB2413

Establishes a 12-member Mississippi Teacher Shortage Commission with representatives from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, State Board of Trustees, and State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, with appointments due by August 1, 2020.

Directs the commission to conduct a district-by-district study of teacher shortages in Mississippi and develop a five-year plan to address teacher shortage and internet access issues in rural and low-performing school districts.

Authorizes the commission to contract with the Mississippi Public School Consortium for Educational Access to provide Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses through internet-driven instruction in rural areas with teacher shortages.

Empowers the commission to match federal and private funds provided by the consortium to support STEM education delivery and requires annual reports to the House and Senate Education committees.

Amends Section 37-9-81 to allow local school districts to contract with consultants having professional experience in internet-related instructional management to provide internet access for STEM coursework.