MS SB2612

Revises educator preparation program terminology from "teacher education" to "educator preparation" throughout licensure requirements for both traditional and nontraditional teaching routes.

Modifies the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) nontraditional teacher program to increase the internship from one semester (three hours) to two semesters (six hours) and increases required semester hours from twelve to fifteen, effective July 1, 2025.

Removes specific entrance criteria (ACT score of 21, Praxis Core exam passing score, or 3.0 GPA) and instead allows the State Board of Education to establish entrance requirements for both traditional and nontraditional teaching routes.

Expands TMI course offerings from a pilot program limited to four locations to any educator preparation provider with a State Board-approved TMI program.

Changes the effective date for nontraditional route entrance criteria from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2025.