Leaders in Policy. Excellence in Education.
Who We AreMississippi First is the state's foremost education policy nonprofit working to improve pre-K-12 public education.
We are a leading voice for state-funded pre-K, high-quality public charter schools, strong and sensible standards and accountability policies, high-quality curriculum, and great teachers and leaders.
As experts in our field, we share our knowledge and insights with policymakers and the public through publications, presentations, and briefings.
We encourage you to follow us on social media and join our e-mail list to remain updated.
For too many years, Mississippi teachers have not been compensated for their hard work and dedication to our children. This is reflected in uncompetitive salaries and a lack of financial aid to earn the credential it takes to be an educator. Teachers are now leaving the state to teach, leaving the field of education, or deciding not to enter in the first place.
Read OnIn an effort to support school districts, families, and students we have compiled resources to help districts plan for re-opening and operating during the pandemic.
Learn MoreThis year has been like no other Mississippi First has faced. We entered 2020 excited about what the future would hold and then…the pandemic hit. Like everyone, we were left wondering what this global crisis would mean for our work, for schools, and for the health of Mississippians.
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In partnership with Mississippi Teach Plus, we are inviting all Mississippi teachers and teacher advocates to join us THIS WEEK and NEXT (thanks to Mother Nature’s winter storms we are adding another week!) in showing support for at least a $3,000 pay increase for Mississippi teachers. We are calling on the legislature to make a…
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During the most unique year in recent memory, the 2020 legislature proved its commitment to early education by ensuring per-pupil pre-K funding was enough to promote quality. Because the pandemic interrupted the session and sidelined many general bills, the 2020 legislature made the funding change directly in the budget bill. We were thrilled with this…
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This op-ed originally ran in the Clarion-Ledger on February 5, 2021. It was written by Toren Ballard, our director of K-12 policy at Mississippi First. Both current and aspiring public school teachers in Mississippi are increasingly faced with a dilemma: pursue a meaningful career educating the next generation of Mississippians–or earn a paycheck capable of…
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