Choctaw County elementary students taught by MSU graduates soar on state tests
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Alumni of Mississippi State’s College of Education are making notable strides in the classroom, a reflection of the university’s dedication to improving P-12 learning through its nationally accredited teacher education programs.
One example is the success of students in Choctaw County School Districts’ elementary schools. Out of 142 districts in the state, the students scored No. 1 in four of 18 categories in 2024 state tests, including fourth- and fifth-grade English language arts, sixth-grade math and fifth-grade science. MSU alumni make up 74% of the teachers who educated the students. The school district also ranked in the Top 10 in seven of 18 categories, with MSU graduates accounting for 81% of the educators.
“The success of my students gives me a sense of fulfillment,” said Ashlie Hollis, a sixth-grade teacher at Ackerman Elementary School and 2013 MSU elementary education alumna. “They work so hard, and I believe that is because at AES we try and make learning fun for them. Their success also gives me a sense of validation of my efforts.”
Teresa Jayroe, dean of MSU’s College of Education, said, “I am incredibly proud of our alumni who are making a significant impact in classrooms across Mississippi. The outstanding performance in Choctaw County reflects how our graduates enter classrooms prepared, dedicated and passionate about student success. Their influence goes beyond test scores—they inspire students and foster a love for learning. These achievements highlight the strength of our programs and our commitment to preparing educators who make a lasting difference.”
MSU’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which sets rigorous national standards for teacher preparation. As part of MSU’s programs, 100% of teacher education students are placed in a student-teaching internship prior to graduation, and they gain hands-on experience through intensive field placements in elementary and secondary schools before their internship. During field placements, students can observe and teach at the Partnership Middle School, one of the nation’s only public middle schools housed on a university campus.
“Mississippi State gave me the opportunity to visit multiple classrooms, whether it be practicum, block or student teaching,” said Patrice Curtis, an AES special education teacher and MSU elementary education alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000 and master’s degree in 2002. “Being able to see multiple teaching styles and get the opportunity to work with multiple grade levels prepared me for teaching in so many ways. Hands-on experience is invaluable when preparing to take on your own classroom.”
Haley Sanders, a fourth-grade teacher at AES and 2009 MSU elementary education graduate, added, “My education program at MSU included practical teaching experiences, such as internships or student teaching, where I could apply what I had learned in real classroom settings. These experiences allowed me to develop essential classroom management techniques, communication skills and an understanding of how to engage students with diverse learning styles.”
MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at https://www.educ.msstate.edu/.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.