The MS World-Class Teaching Program (WCTP) was established by legislation in 1996. The program provides guidance and support to selected candidates through the National Board Certification (NBC) process. It represents commitment to excellence in teaching. Certification signifies exemplary teaching, sets uniform standards nationwide, offers professional and personal growth, fosters reflective practice, complements state licensing, and fulfills requirements for licensure renewal.
What would motivate a teacher to pursue Board Certification?
- $6,000 annual bonus upon completion of certification
- Fee reimbursement, if the process is completed
- MS recertification/renewal for 5 years, if the process is completed
- Professional growth and affirmation
- Leadership opportunities while remaining in the classroom
- Certification lasts for 10 years and may be renewed
- Mentoring support
There are six World Class Teaching Programs which are located on the campuses of universities throughout the state. They support Mississippi teachers as they seek National Board Certification. Click here to view a map of each program’s recruiting region.
Alcorn State University
Dr. Malina Butler, World Class Teacher Academy
1000 ASU Drive 480
Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500
Phone: 601-877-6149
Fax: 601-877-6319
Email: mbutler@alcorn.edu
Delta State University
Meg Newcomb, World Class Teaching Program
mnewcomb@deltastate.edu
Dorothy Sykes, World Class Teaching Program
dsykes@deltastate.edu
DSU Box 3333
1003 W. Sunflower Rd.
Cleveland, MS 38733
Phone: 662-552-1035
Website: http://www.deltastate.edu/education-and-human-sciences/teacher-education-research-leadership/delta-state-world-class-teaching-program/
Jackson State University
Mrs. Patrease Edwards, Southwest MS World Class Teaching Initiative
plcedwards@gmail.com
Dr. Phatasis O’Harroll, Southwest MS World Class Teaching Initiative
poharrol@gmail.com
3825 Ridgewood Rd, Box 23
Jackson, MS 39217
Phone: 601-979-8724 or 601-979-8777
Website: http://www.jsums.edu/lifelearning/national-board-certification.
Mississippi State University
Stephanie McGee
250 Allen Hall
175 President's Circle
Mailstop 9714
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: 662-325-3981
Email: seh45@msstate.edu
Website: http://www.wctp.msstate.edu/
University of Mississippi
Tammy Kirkland, World Class Teaching Program
255 Insight Park
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 507-9869
Fax: (662)915-7249
Email: kirkland@olemiss.edu
Website: http://wctp.olemiss.edu
University of Southern Mississippi
Robin Atwood, World Class Teaching Program
118 College Drive #5057
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Phone: (601) 266-5546
Email: robin.atwood@usm.edu
Website: http://www.usm.edu/south-mississippi-writing-project/world-class-teaching-program
The following professional organizations also provide candidate support:
Mississippi Association of Educators:
Erica Jones, President
Phone: (601) 354-4463
Email: ejones@maetoday.org
Website: http://maetoday.org
Mississippi Professional Educators:
Kelly Riley, Executive Director
Email: kelly@mpe.org
Barbie Ferguson, Deputy Director
Email: barbie@mpe.org
Phone: (601) 355-5517
Website: https://www.mpe.org/