Professional Advancement Network for Teachers and Administrators (PANTA)

Professional Advancement Network for Teachers and Administrators (PANTA)

Learn more about MSU's Grow Your Own teacher residency programs

PANTA Summary

Mississippi State University-Meridian’s Professional Advancement Network for Teachers and Administrators initiative, also known as PANTA, is designed to address the need for highly qualified, certified teachers and administrators throughout the state. PANTA supports a variety of candidates, including paraprofessionals, high school students, non-traditional students, and individuals who possess a non-education bachelor’s degree. The foundation of PANTA is built upon the residency model, an approach that fully immerses students in the school environment and allows them to gain practical experience while working side by side with an experienced mentor teacher or administrator. The PANTA initiative houses a variety of programs within the MSU-Meridian Division of Education, including teacher leadership, educational leadership, elementary alternate route, secondary alternate route, undergraduate elementary education, and the Bachelor of Applied Science degree.

Advisors

Jeff Leffler

Jeffrey Leffler, Ph.D.

  • Associate Professor
  • Graduate Coordinator
Kevin Entrekin

Kevin Entrekin

  • Recruitment Coordinator
Portrait of Matthew Blackwell with short dark hair wearing a blue button up shirt with sport coat.

Matthew Blackwell

  • Coordinator