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MDE updates: Elevate Teachers Conference, educator talent portal, residency grant heads-up
Summary
MDE staff reported on the recent Elevate Teachers Conference (about 150 attendees), promoted the Mississippi Educator Talent Portal (MECA) which lists 140+ openings, and gave advance notice of a short-window grant opportunity for teacher residency programs in elementary and special education.
At the July 11 meeting, staff from the Mississippi Department of Education's Office of Teaching and Leading reported on recent outreach and workforce tools.
Doctor Burbank said the MDE hosted its annual Elevate Teachers Conference Wednesday and Thursday of that week with "maybe a 150 or more teachers" attending, including keynote remarks about mental health and classroom culture. He thanked Delta State University’s College of Education, Arts and Humanities for hosting and thanked multiple MDE offices and vendors for supporting the event.
Burbank also reminded members that the Mississippi Educator Talent Portal (part of the MECA system) launched in April 2025 and is provided to local education agencies at no cost. "The educator talent portal is live and currently has over 140 active positions posted by local educational agencies across the state," he said, asking commission members to help spread awareness.
Finally, staff gave a heads‑up that a grant opportunity to implement Mississippi teacher residency programs in elementary or special education will be disseminated to approved colleges of education; the request-for-application window will be short and applicants should prepare accordingly. No dollar amounts or application deadlines were provided at the meeting.
Chair David Martin and other commissioners thanked staff for the updates and noted positive feedback from conference attendees.
