JACKSON – Jackson State University will host a national teacher recruitment fair this week as part of efforts to address ongoing educator shortages in Mississippi and across the country, according to a university press release.
The JSU Career Services Center will hold the 2026 Teacher Recruitment Fair on Thursday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Terry L. Woodard Ballroom on the third floor of the Student Center. The event is open to all majors and alumni, with opportunities for placement in K-12 classrooms.
“The Career Services Center has a long collaborative history with hosting this event for our education majors,” said Lashanda W. Jordan, 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.”
University officials said approximately 55 school districts from across the country are expected to participate, along with organizations such as Black Men Teach and Teachers Like Me, which focus on recruiting and supporting educators.
Jordan said the event allows Jackson State to connect its graduates with districts seeking qualified teachers and to highlight the university’s education programs on a national level.
The recruitment effort comes as Mississippi continues to face a significant teacher shortage. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, the state reported more than 6,000 vacancies for teachers, administrators and support staff based on a survey conducted between August and November 2025.
Officials have cited low pay, burnout and limited benefits as contributing factors. The largest shortages are in math, science and special education.
State lawmakers are currently working to reconcile competing proposals for teacher pay raises. The Mississippi Senate has approved a plan that would provide a $6,000 raise for teachers and an additional $3,000 for special education teachers, while the House has passed a plan offering a $5,000 raise phased in over three years.
Nationwide, a report from the Learning Policy Institute found nearly 46,000 unfilled teaching positions across 31 states and the District of Columbia.
University officials said the recruitment fair is an opportunity to help fill gaps while positioning Jackson State as a leading source of educators in Mississippi and beyond.
“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,” Jordan said.
