The Mississippi Teacher Fellowship Program: A State-Based Initiative for the Recruitment and Retention of Teachers in Critical Shortage Districts.

The 1998 Mississippi Legislature passed a bill which addressed the state's problem with critical teacher shortages. The Mississippi Teacher Fellowship Program (MTFP), which was developed in response to critical teacher shortages in certain school districts and in certain content areas, grew out of this legislation. The state-based initiative focuses on teacher recruitment and retention in the areas facing shortages. The MTFP uses financial incentives as a means to attract qualified teachers to geographical shortage areas. The incentives include grants and scholarships, loan forgiveness, sponsored employment, and service payback. The MTFP also emphasizes the importance of retaining teachers in these shortage districts by addressing three important issues: keeping contact with new teachers, establishing a network of mentors, and forming a cohort or peer support group for teachers with an emphasis on technology for maintaining contact among teachers. Each year, a cohort of 75 participants are recruited nationally to the MTFP. Participants receive a full-time teacher salary and benefits package. In exchange for a 3-year commitment to teach in a critical shortage area, selected participants receive a host of benefits. (SM)