MS HB1492

Increases the minimum annual salary for assistant teachers employed under the Mississippi Elementary Schools Assistant Teacher Program from $17,000 to $19,000, effective July 1, 2023.

Maintains existing program requirements that assistant teachers work in kindergarten through third grade classes under supervision of licensed teachers and meet minimum qualifications including a high school diploma or equivalency and demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing.

Preserves salary protections prohibiting any reduction below the prior year's salary for existing assistant teachers and requiring districts to maintain local contribution levels from the previous year to receive state funding.

Retains provisions allowing school districts to use assistant teacher funding to employ licensed teachers instead, but only if doing so reduces teacher-student ratios in kindergarten through third grade classes and districts use normal attrition rather than dismissals.

Continues state obligations to provide professional development, training modules, and annual program evaluations, with adjustments to salary scales permitted if general fund revenue growth exceeds specified thresholds.