Mississippi launches virtual teacher programme to fight staff shortages: Can technology truly replace the classroom experience?

Mississippi has introduced a new virtual teaching initiative aimed at addressing the state’s long-standing teacher shortage. The programme, known as REACH MS (Mississippi Virtual Synchronous Learning Initiative), was developed through a partnership between the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB).Backed by a $2.2 million appropriation from the state Legislature, the initiative places certified virtual teachers in classrooms across five school districts. These teachers deliver live instruction remotely, while in-person facilitators manage classrooms and support students during lessons.Pilot programme launches in five districtsThe REACH MS pilot currently operates in Hinds County, Yazoo County, Yazoo City, Claiborne, and West Point.

Each district provides internet access, classroom space, in-person support staff, and accommodations for special education students. The programme currently serves approximately 150 students, with the potential to scale up to 5,400 students across more districts.According to Mississippi Today, associate state superintendent Bryan Marshall said the programme addresses staffing gaps in core subjects and strengthens the teacher pipeline by involving student teachers nearing certification.

“The idea is that we would keep the student teachers for a period, and then they would go on into the classroom, and we’d bring on a new set,” Marshall said, as quoted by Mississippi Today.Certified teachers instruct students remotelyThree certified teachers and three teacher assistants are currently leading virtual classes in English I, English III, Algebra I, and Algebra II. All virtual teachers are based at MPB headquarters in Jackson. Each virtual teacher is equipped with an eGlass system—an interactive lightboard and camera setup that enables real-time instruction.“These are not your normal sit-and-get-lectured style of teaching,” said Marshall, adding that the lightboards allow for dynamic engagement, as reported by Mississippi Today. Each teacher can serve up to 450 students under the programme’s full capacity model.Technology supports classroom-style learningMississippi Today reported that the programme seeks to replicate traditional classroom environments.

For example, in Yazoo City High School, ninth-grade students attend classes led remotely by Caitlin Perkins, one of the programme’s student teachers. Despite being physically located an hour away in Jackson, students interact with Perkins in real time, while a facilitator ensures discipline and distributes worksheets.Student feedback from Yazoo City suggests early signs of engagement. “We’re not just writing more, but we’re actually understanding more about it,” said student Rodrianna Drain, as reported by Mississippi Today.State seeks long-term impactAccording to MDE data, nearly 3,000 teaching positions remain unfilled across Mississippi, with over half of all districts classified as critical shortage areas. The virtual initiative does not replace existing recruitment efforts but complements them. Other strategies include increased funding for licensure costs and a revamped recruitment website.Yazoo City, currently graded F in state rankings, has 10 teacher vacancies, including two in core subject areas.

Sametra Brown, assistant superintendent of federal programmes, stated the district saw the virtual teacher programme as a way to ensure students still receive certified instruction. “Rather than our students having a substitute teacher in the classroom that has maybe no credentials, this was an opportunity for them to get live instruction,” she said, as quoted by Mississippi Today.Expansion plans in progressMPB’s Leslie Hebert, also part of the teaching staff, said the programme is designed to expand. MDE has already ordered 12 more eGlass systems and plans to add math and science classes in the spring. State Superintendent Lance Evans is advocating for additional legislative funding to support broader implementation.“This is almost like having a real person in the classroom,” Marshall said, emphasising the value of the virtual setup, as reported by Mississippi Today.