What is TMI | Program of Study | Cost? | Withdrawal Information | FAQs | Application

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What is the Teach Mississippi Institute?

The Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) is an alternative to the regular teacher preparation route for a Mississippi teacher's license in secondary (grade 7-12) education. Successful completion of both components of the Institute results in a standard, five-year renewable Mississippi teacher's license. The University of Mississippi is offering a session of the first component of the program, an online course, beginning October 11, 2008.

The various Mississippi alternate route programs have been subject to a number of modifications over the past few years and continue to evolve under the regulations and support of the Mississippi Department of Education. Other alternate route programs are described at the Mississippi Department of Education web site, or you may call (601) 359-3483.

What is the Program of Study?

First Component

ONLINE COURSE WITH 1 LIVE SEMINAR
An online course is the first component of the Teach Mississippi Institute. The University of Mississippi will offer this course at least two times this year. The fall session will begin October 11, 2008 and run through December 13, 2008.

The online course covers classroom instruction and application in the fields of effective teaching strategies, classroom management, state curriculum frameworks, planning and instructional methodologies, and use of testing as formative and summative evaluation tools. During the course students will be required to participate in online discussions, create an electronic portfolio of their coursework. Students should anticipate spending 6 to 8 hours on the course every week.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants must spend 30 hours in a secondary school setting, gaining hands-on supervised experience. In addition to the online course, participants will attend the orientation on Saturday, October 11, 2008 in Oxford, MS and one live seminar November 15, 2008 in Jackson, MS..

Upon successful completion of the first component of the Institute, participants may apply to the Mississippi Department of Education for a non-renewable "special" License and seek employment in a Mississippi public school district (or MDE-accredited private school). Securing an appropriate teaching position is the responsibility of the participant, but the Institute will assist where possible (Click here to go to an Employment Resources web page). Successful completion of this year of employment and the second component of the Teach Mississippi Institute, results in a standard, 5-year renewable Mississippi teacher's license.

Second Component

During this first year of employment, * eligible participants will enroll in the second component (TMI II) of the Teach Mississippi Institute.

The course will continue throughout the teacher's first year in the classroom and include completing an online course and attending live seminars delivered through workshops. The 2 live seminars will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2008 in Oxford, MS and Saturday, November 15, 2008 in Jackson, MS. THe seminars should last no more than 8 hours each. Students will also participate in mentoring programs at their schools and must successfully complete local school district evaluation(s).

Upon successful completion of all aspects of the second component and the first year of employment, participants may apply to the Mississippi Department of Education for a standard, 5-year renewable Mississippi teacher's license.

* You will receive pay as a first year teacher. See the 2008-2009 MS Teach Salary Schedule.

How much does the program cost?

The costs are as follows:

First component (8 week online course): The cost for the Fall session will be $795, which includes the cost of the textbook.

Second Component (4 1/2 month online course) $1395, which includes the cost of the textbook.

For Scholarship information and other Incentives, go here.

Withdrawal Information

•  A student may withdraw from the TMI program (component I or II) up to two weeks from the starting date of the program. The tuition costs will be 100% refunded minus a $100 withdrawal fee and the costs of the textbooks.

•  Any student who leaves the program following the 2nd week of either component will receive a 0% refund of their tuition.

•  It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from the program. Failure to notify our office in writing before the end of the 100% refund period will result in charges for full tuition and fees being posted to the student's account.

•  The text book(s) must be returned to TMI in order to fulfill the withdrawal. If the text book is returned in the same condition it was sent within the first two weeks, the student will owe nothing. If after the second week, the student will owe 20% of the cost of the text. Thus, if they have paid the tuition already, they will receive an 80% refund on the text book provided it is returned.

Information about Outstanding Balances

If payment has not been recieved by 5 PM on the due date, a $20 late fee will be assessed. For each additional payment date that passes without payment, an additional $20 fee will be assessed. Students must have no remaining balance in order to receive the completion certificate.

FAQS about State of Mississippi Alternate Route's

www.mde.k12.ms.us/ed_licensure/doc/faq_1.doc