As Amended
SEC. 37-149-1. Mississippi Teacher Center established; staff; steering committee; duties.
(1) There is hereby established within the State Department of Education, the Mississippi Teacher Center for the purpose of insuring that the children of our state are taught by quality professionals. The center shall serve as an interagency center focused on teacher recruitment, enhanced training and initial instructional support.
(2) The center shall have a staff which shall consist of one (1) director and one (1) administrative assistant. A steering committee shall be established which shall consist of one (1) member from each of the following: the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, the State Board of Education, the Board of the Mississippi Association of Independent Colleges, the Board of the Mississippi Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, trustees of the local school boards, teachers and the private sector. The members of the steering committee shall be appointed by the State Superintendent with the approval of the board. The steering committee shall direct the work and establish policies for the purpose of operating the center.
(3) The center shall provide leadership for the following initiatives:
(a) The initiation and monitoring of high school programs for teacher recruitment;
(b) The initiation and monitoring of college level programs for teacher recruitment;
(c) The establishment of a Beginning Teacher/Mentoring program, as authorized in Sections 37-9-201 through 37-9-213;
(d) The sponsorship of a teacher renewal institute;
(e) The continuation of the Teacher Corps program;
(f) The enhancement of the William Winter Scholarship program;
(g) Research for the development of professional teaching standards;
(h) Provide additional scholarships for any targeted populations needing potential teachers.
(i) Provide assistance to local school districts in identifying and locating specific teacher needs.
SOURCES: Laws, 1994, ch. 534, Sec. 1; 1995, ch. 427, Sec. 6, eff from and after July 1, 1995