Teachers Say Sustaining Literacy Gains Across All Grades, Better Data, Stronger Career Pathways, and Smarter School Staffing Are Essential
Jackson, MS, February 25, 2026—Today, 25 Mississippi Policy Fellows and alumni are at the Capitol with a strong message: Mississippi’s students deserve a clear path from the classroom to a career—and right now, too many of them, especially in rural communities, are navigating their futures without one. The teachers are meeting with policymakers to share what they’re seeing with their students every day, along with concrete, research-driven policy recommendations.
“Policy is most powerful when it’s shaped by the people who live it every day,” said Teach Plus Mississippi Executive Director Sanford Johnson. “Strong literacy through every grade. Teachers who stay. Data that connects the full picture of a student’s journey—clearly enough that anyone can understand it. Each one matters, and together they add up to every Mississippi student graduating with a real path to a career. That’s the future we’re asking the state policymakers to build with us.”
Teach Plus teacher leaders are calling for a modernization of the State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS)—weaving together the currently fragmented picture of a student’s journey across early childhood, K–12, higher education, and the workforce. Made accessible to all, this data would help Mississippi move beyond simple tracking and toward a strategic tool that ensures 55% of adults earn a postsecondary credential—a vital benchmark for the state’s economic health.
“A strong and transparent data system is essential because it turns student outcomes into actionable insight, not just numbers on a dashboard. When policymakers can clearly see where students are thriving and where gaps exist, they can invest resources more strategically and hold systems accountable for results. High-quality data empowers communities to advocate for what’s working, course-correct what isn’t, and ensure every student benefits from informed, evidence-based policy decisions,” said Keyana E. Hawthorne, an 11th grade English, literature, and composition teacher at Murrah High School in Jackson and 2025-26 Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellow.
Individual Success Plans (ISPs) are a vital part of college and career readiness. Teach Plus teacher leaders are championing ISP expansion so every student has a personalized roadmap—not just a diploma, but a clear next step.
“College and career readiness strengthens our state’s economy, reduces unemployment, and creates a workforce that can compete nationally. Mississippi must be more intentional in building systems that guide students early, consistently, and purposefully toward college and career success. This means starting career readiness early, teaching real-world skills alongside academics, and building individual success plans that grow with students,” said Elizabeth Maxcey, special education teacher at Biloxi High School and 2025-26 Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellow.
Teach Plus teacher leaders are also advocating for sustaining Mississippi’s nationally recognized literacy gains across all grades, making sure the momentum built in early childhood keeps growing all the way through high school. On staffing, the teachers are calling for school redesigns that create real leadership opportunities within the profession—improving school climate and addressing the root causes of the teacher shortage by making teaching a career worth staying in.
Together, these priorities reflect Teach Plus Mississippi’s long-term vision: that every student, from the smallest rural town to the largest city, leaves high school with a diploma that actually opens doors. Read the full legislative agenda here.
About Teach Plus
The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that affect their students’ success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning for students. teachplus.org/MS
