First-year teachers in Mississippi are eligible to have a portion of their college loans repaid by the state.
The Winter-Reed Loan Repayment Program was passed by the Mississippi Legislature earlier this year as part of an effort to recruit our best and brightest into the teaching profession.
Teachers under contract in a school district designated as a geographical critical shortage area can be eligible for repayment of up to $15,000 in undergraduate student loans over their first three years of teaching.
Teachers under contract in a school district not designated as a geographical critical shortage area can be eligible for up to $7,500 over three years.
To be eligible, a teacher must:
• be a first-year teacher
• hold a valid standard five-year Mississippi educator’s license
• be under contract as a teacher or librarian in a Mississippi public school district
The deadline for initial application is December 15, 2021. All supporting documents must be submitted by January 15, 2022. A total of 150 first-year teachers will be chosen each year, with priority given to geographical critical shortage area teachers. Award recipients may apply for renewal in their second and third years of teaching. See program regulations and application details.
Legislators plan to address compensation for all teachers in the coming legislative session. Thank you to our classroom teachers who are making a difference for Mississippi children every day! Mississippi values you and the important work you are doing.
