MC Teacher Education and Leadership garners MDE recognition for evidence-based literacy instruction

MC Department of Teacher Education and Leadership faculty, staff and students celebrate the Mississippi Department of Education distinction.

The Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Elementary Education and Reading, Division of Literacy, has honored the Mississippi College Department of Teacher Education and Leadership as a Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading Education Preparedness Program.

MDE representatives presented a commemorative banner acknowledging the achievement to MC TEL on Nov. 20 in Anderson Hall on MC’s Clinton campus. The distinction highlights MC TEL’s ongoing commitment to implementing best practices grounded in the science of reading and preparing future educators to apply evidence-based literacy instruction in their classrooms, as well as MC’s continued dedication to excellence in teacher preparation and its mission to make a lasting impact on literacy education throughout the state.

MC faculty, students and local school district partners gathered to celebrate the milestone. The event featured remarks from University representatives and literacy faculty who have worked diligently to design and implement a high-quality program that equips graduates to teach young children to read effectively.

Chris Washam, interim dean of the MC School of Education and Human Sciences, said the MDE recognition is a testimony to the efforts of faculty and staff in MC TEL.

“I congratulate the literacy faculty members who work so hard every day to ensure that the teacher candidates are well trained in the science and art of literacy instruction,” Washam said. “The ‘Mississippi Miracle’ (the rapid improvement in student achievement, particularly in reading, across Mississippi’s public schools since 2013) is no miracle at all. It is the result of the efforts of college professors, school teachers, and the Mississippi Department of Education to ensure that our children are as well-educated as any kids in the country.”

Mandy Logue, regional literacy coordinator, Mississippi Department of Education, thanked Mississippi College for its commitment to future teachers.

“You have a deep commitment to the science of reading through evidence-based instruction,” Logue said. “MC’s faculty has aligned your coursework and clinical experiences with the science of reading, ensuring that every teacher candidate graduates with a deep understanding of how children learn to read. MC’s candidates entered classrooms ready to teach reading effectively from day one.

“Through shared efforts and open communication, MC has built a program where theory and practice meet beautifully. That way, our students in our schools in Mississippi are beneficiaries. We are grateful for that.”

She said MC has built a growing legacy of literary leadership throughout Mississippi.

“The influence of MC goes far beyond your campus. Graduates are now leading classrooms and literacy initiatives across our entire state.

“Because of your commitment to training teachers and equipping them with the very best knowledge and best practices in literacy, our students will be well equipped for success. We want to thank you for the hard work that you have done and are continuing to do.”

Rachel Peeples, interim chair for Teacher Education and Leadership, attributes the success of MC’s Early Literacy program to the outstanding leadership and expertise of the Literacy Team, led by Jan Hankins and Jo LeVert. With a combined 82 years of experience in teaching young children to read, Hankins and LeVert, along with the entire Literacy Team, deliver unparalleled, research-driven instruction that empowers students to thrive in the classroom. Their deep commitment to excellence ensures that each candidate receives the highest standard of education in literacy.

This strong foundation is further enriched by hands-on learning opportunities, where students apply their knowledge through a variety of field experiences in collaboration with our partner school districts. The unwavering support from the Clinton, Jackson and Madison school districts provides invaluable real-world contexts, allowing candidates to put effective literacy instruction into practice and graduate fully equipped for successful careers in education.