MS SB2511

Effective July 1, 2020, teacher candidates entering approved teacher education programs must meet one of three criteria: ACT score of 21 (or SAT equivalent), passing score on Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination, or minimum 3.0 GPA on coursework prior to admission.

Same entrance requirements apply to nontraditional teaching route candidates under the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) program for Grades 7-12.

Establishes an Office of Educator Misconduct Evaluations within the State Department of Education to handle infractions, violations, and hearings related to educator conduct and Mississippi Educator Code of Ethics.

Maintains existing license categories including Standard License - Approved Program Route (5-year), Standard License - Nontraditional Route, Special Licenses (Expert Citizen, Nonrenewable, Bilingual Education), and Administrator Licenses.

Specifies grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking educator licenses, including felony convictions, sex offenses, fraud in obtaining licensure, and violations of test administration requirements.