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First-grade teacher Kimberly Pate worked for nearly two decades as a classroom assistant. Through the Mississippi Teacher Residency, she'll earn a master's degree plus dual certification in elementary and special education, all at no cost. Imani Khayyam/NPR hide caption

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Imani Khayyam/NPR

First-grade teacher Kimberly Pate worked for nearly two decades as a classroom assistant. Through the Mississippi Teacher Residency, she'll earn a master's degree plus dual certification in elementary and special education, all at no cost.

Imani Khayyam/NPR

School districts across the country are struggling to fill vacancies among their teaching staff. In addition to stepping up their recruitment efforts, some districts are looking to turn more of their existing staff into teachers.

NPR's Cory Turner reports on the Mississippi Teacher Residency program, and on the impact it is having in the state's capital, Jackson.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Gabe O'Connor and Lauren Migaki. It was edited by Nicole Cohen and William Troop. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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