Therefore, because Mississippi lacks numerous international, urban areas and a large Hispanic population, many of the communities ESL teachers traditionally serve are less developed here than in other regions of the country. However, like much of the south, this landscape is slowly beginning to change. Opportunities for ESL jobs in Mississippi that were scarce a decade ago are on the rise today.
Universities with ESL Programs
Some of the most promising opportunities for ESL jobs in Mississippi are at the university level. Several universities in Mississippi support active ESL programs. Most positions at the university level are highly competitive and, at a minimum, require a Master's degree. In addition, ESL programs tend to look favorably on specific certifications and credentials in the area of teaching English to non-native speakers. Many institutions will require a PhD in TESOL, education, linguistics, writing studies, or a related field. The more degrees and certifications you can amass, the more doors will open up to you in your search for employment in this field.
- Mississippi State University: MSU is located in Starksville and provides an ESL program for students through its academic outreach and continuing education center.
- The University of Southern Mississippi: The English Language Institute at USM is an intensive ESL program that has been in service since 1947.
- The University of Mississippi: Ole Miss, located in Oxford, offers an intensive ESL program in a charming southern college town.
- Jackson State University: Jackson State's English as a Second Language Institute is located in the state's capital city and caters to students from around the world.
Academic Programs for Teachers
Many ESL jobs will only hire teachers on the basis that they also enroll in an ESL certification or credential program. The following universities offer various programs and services for educators:
- The University of Southern Mississippi: Located in the city of Hattiesburg, USM offers a Master's program in TESOL.
- Mississippi Teacher Corps: Similar to the Peace Corps, the Mississippi Teacher Corps is a two year teaching program offered through the University of Mississippi. Participants who already have a college degree teach in one of the poorest regions in the United States, the Mississippi Delta. The impact of Hurricane Katrina has rendered this area more vulnerable than ever. The program is designed with non-education majors in mind and offers an attractive salary and benefit package, certification, and a full scholarship for a Master's degree upon completion.
Finding ESL Jobs in Mississippi
- ESL Employment: This site provides resources for ESL jobs in Mississippi and beyond.
- Craigslist Mississippi: There are currently four areas of Mississippi served by Craigslist: North Mississippi, Gulfport/Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Jackson. Explore the education job postings in these areas for promising leads.
- Dave's ESL Café: Newly redesigned and full of resources, Dave's is the standard stop for finding ESL jobs anywhere in the world.
- ESLJOBS: Another neatly organized ESL job hunting site.
Why Teach ESL in Mississippi?
Mississippi is not known as the "hospitality state" for nothing. The rustic landscape and slow southern way of life reflect back on simpler times. The area also offers a rich cultural history. Delta blues legends Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King are all Mississippi natives. American literary icon William Faulkner called Mississippi home, and the area still reflects many of the images that graced his novels. The ESL teacher who can appreciate Mississippi's many unique qualities can help bring much needed support and meaningful change to a beautiful, historic place.
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