The METP faculty and staff from Mississippi State University and University of Mississippi collaborate to conduct two cross-campus visits a year for freshman METP scholars at both universities (the first on the campus of MSU and the second on the UM campus). These experiences are designed to broaden METP scholars’ cultural and educational experiences at both universities, provide METP scholars access to faculty input from each campus, and to allow METP scholars to meet other METP scholars and begin the development of a cohort of professional educators.

During their sophomore year, METP scholars participate in a one-week residential institute where they spend two and one-half days on the campus of University of Mississippi and two and one-half days on the campus of Mississippi State University. This institute is designed to provide an intensive look at education practices and policies. During the institute, scholars attend seminars and lectures. Scholars have the opportunity to meet with Mississippi authors, to develop and practice hands-on activities, and have field experiences in schools across the state designed to increase their content knowledge in their content areas. Scholars from both universities are able to gain practical experience in content knowledge, concepts, and teaching practices.

During the spring semester of their junior year, METP scholars have the opportunity to study abroad. This is designed to provide scholars with cultural experiences, introduce them to educational systems and practices of other countries, allow them to interact with education professionals and students at an international level, and extend their professional network outside the state and country.

As future educators, METP scholars become members of their representative national professional organizations early in their program experience. During their senior year, METP scholars are afforded the opportunity to attend a national conference. This opportunity provides them with valuable professional development, allows them to network with professionals within their field, keeps them abreast of current research trends, and familiarizes them with national standards and best practices for teacher education.

One of the characteristics that truly distinguishes the scholars in the METP is their commitment to community service, campus involvement, and research. Our scholars truly represent the spirit of MSU through their participation in student government, fraternity and sorority life, the Famous Maroon Band, the Montgomery Leadership Program, research projects, and many other service opportunities and organizations both on and off campus.