Jackson State University is doing its part to help end the teachers’ shortage by filling the gap with upcoming graduates. The JSU Career Services Center will host the 2026 Teacher Recruitment Fair on Thursday, March 19, from 9 am to 12:30 pm in the Terry L. Woodard Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Student Center 3rd. This national recruitment fair is open to all majors and alums, with placement in K-12 classrooms.
“The Career Services Center has a long collaborative history with hosting this event for our education majors,” says Lashanda W. Jordan, Ph.D., executive director of JSU Career and Student Services. “We believe this event is important in assisting our students with launching their careers in the field of education.”
Jordan adds that approximately 55 school districts from around the country will participate in the recruitment fair, including Black Men Teach and Teachers Like Me.
“The goal of Black Men Teach is to build and engage a fellowship of Black male educators and to provide a framework that strategically unites efforts with key partners who are dedicated to advancing educational equity.”
Teachers Like Me is a regional program in the Kansas City area that offers a benefits package to attract new teachers.
“Teachers Like Me focuses on recruiting, developing and retaining Black teachers,” explains Jordan. “The organization offers job placement, affordable housing, a signing bonus, and relocation fees to move teachers to Kansas City.”
The Teacher Shortage Crisis
Mississippi is estimated to have over 6,000 vacancies statewide, including teachers, administration and support staff, according to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). The results are from the Educator Shortage Survey conducted by MDE, August 2025 through November 1, 2025. In 2024, the state ranked 46th in teacher pay. MDE reports that low teacher pay is a contributing factor to the constant turnover rates, along with “burnout” and poor benefits. The largest shortage is for teachers in Math, Science and Special Education.
Currently, Mississippi lawmakers are working to reconcile competing proposals for teacher pay raises. The Senate approved a plan that would provide a $6,000 raise for teachers statewide and an additional $3,000 for special education teachers. The House passed a phased approach that would give $5,000, spread over three years. Leaders in both chambers are now working to draft a final bill that resolves the salary differences before the end of the legislative session.
In July 2025, the Learning Policy Institute published a report on teacher vacancies nationwide, citing nearly 46,000 unfilled positions, using data from 31 states and the District of Columbia.
Jordan says the recruitment fair is an opportunity for JSU to position itself as a top producer of educators in the metro area, across the state, the nation and among HBCUs.
“The JSU Teacher Recruitment Day provides us the opportunity to showcase our talented students and ensure school districts across not only the state of Mississippi but the country know that our program is top-notch.”
To schedule interviews for the JSU Teacher Recruitment Fair, please contact Anthony Howard with University Communications at 601-979-2274 or by email at Anthony.j.Howard@jsums.edu.
Visit our website to find out more about JSU’s College of Education and Human Development, the teaching program and requirements.