William Winter Teacher Scholar/Loan (WWTS) - Mississippi Student Loans-

William Winter Teacher Scholar/Loan (WWTS)

Program Overview
The primary objectives of this program are to provide education opportunities for students who wish to become classroom teachers and address Mississippi’s teacher shortage by providing a constant source of qualified classroom teachers for our public schools. WWTS awards will be made available, to the extent of appropriated funds, to persons seeking a bachelor’s degree in teacher education at one Mississippi institution of higher learning in exchange for employment as a classroom teacher in a Mississippi public school.

Important Dates
Application dates: January 1 – March 31
The dates are important as the number of awards and recipients are dependent upon available funds.

Eligibility Requirements
Will be a Junior or Senior for the upcoming school year
Is a legal resident of Mississippi
Enrolled in a program of study leading to a Class “A” teacher license
Can provide passing Praxis 1 test scores or can provide proof that you are exempt
Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college course work previously taken
Complete the online application and submit all supporting documentation by the deadline
Click here for a complete listing of eligibility requirements.

Award Amount
Up to $4,000 per year ($2,000 a semester) for a maximum of 2 years (4 semesters)
Service Obligation
The loan to service obligation can be discharged on the basis of one year’s service for one year of loan received. Teaching service is defined as being employed as a contracted full-time classroom teacher in a Mississippi public school.
Awarding priorities
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will make awards on a first-come first-served based upon our level of funding. However, priority is given to renewal applicants who complete the renewal process by the deadlines.

To Apply
Complete the online application. This online application must be completed each academic year whether you are a prior recipient or a first-time applicant.
Submit the following supporting documents:
Passing Praxis 1 scores or ACT score (national testing) of 21 or higher with a minimum of 18 on all sub-scores on the same national test taken before any college coursework
Signed copy of the first two pages of parent’s MS Resident Individual Income Tax Return for the current tax filing year. Independent students would provide signed copy of student’s tax return for the current tax filing year. Am I Dependent or Independent?
Copy of Mississippi driver’s license, unless you elected to submit it electronically during the online application

Frequently Asked Questions
Does your office automatically receive my Praxis 1 test scores?
No. Scores are automatically sent to the Mississippi Department of Education for licensure requirements but they are not sent to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Students must mail in a copy of their passing Praxis 1 scores to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid to be considered to receive WWTS. Scores may be submitted after the March 31 deadline.

What if my semester grade point average does not meet the minimum requirement?
If your semester/trimester GPA is less than 2.5 at the end of a semester/trimester, you will lose the WWTS for the next semester/trimester of enrollment during a normal academic year. In order to regain eligibility your semester/trimester and cumulative GPA must meet the minimum requirement, which is 2.5.

Do I get to choose the grade level I want to teach or am I just placed in a teaching job?
The Mississippi Teacher Center will assist WWTS participants in arranging placement interviews with Mississippi public school districts; however, it is the responsibility of the participant to secure a teaching position.