Shanika Parker is fulfilling a lifelong dream as she graduates from Mississippi State University with a degree in education. It will lift your spirits to hear her excitement and enthusiasm in the accompanying video.
We, at MASS, believe that the future of our state rests in the hands of Shanika and other education graduates who will help prepare new generations of Mississippians for successful lives and careers.
But it’s also troubling that fewer college students are choosing to become teachers. From 2013 to 2018, the number of teaching licenses granted in Mississippi dropped by more than 50 percent. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, one of every three school districts is designated as a critical teacher shortage area.
As Mississippi’s leading advocate for stronger public education, MASS is working proactively with state leaders to develop solutions that will move our public schools forward, including strategies to recruit, hire and retain more teachers. As our Unleash Possible campaign spreads statewide, we believe Shanika’s story and those of her fellow teachers will inspire more Mississippians to consider careers in education.
If you'd like to get involved in supporting Unleash Possible in your community, please contact MASS and let us know how you can help. We believe there's strength in numbers!
Phillip G Burchfield
Executive Director