The state Department of Education has helped fund Southern Miss efforts to certify established educators, as well as similar efforts at four other state universities. On Nov. 22, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that 2,965 primary and secondary school teachers from 48 states and the District of Columbia had achieved national board certification during the 1998-1999 school year. Both were among Mississippi's first master teachers. The certification process requires teachers to assess their professional development and their involvement in the community and their students' families. Videotape of their time in the classroom is also critiqued and teachers respond with an essay about what they're trying to accomplish.
Teachers also take examinations focusing on their knowledge of their specific teaching area.
Foxworth said she expected USM's role in helping teachers achieve national board certification to grow, especially since many educators taking classes at Southern Miss missed certification by a handful of points. Tremendous progress is taking place in South Mississippi because of the university's commitment to this educational continuum for teachers.