Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-201

As used in Sections 37-9-201 through 37-9-213 : (a) “ Beginning teacher ” means a teacher who: (i) Possesses a teaching license issued by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development; (ii) Is employed at least half time, primarily as a classroom teacher, by a school district; and (iii) Has taught fewer than ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred eighty (180) days total, as a licensed teacher in any public school. (b) “ District ” means any local school district. (c) “ Formal assistance ” means a program provided by a mentor teacher to a beginning teacher that includes, but is not limited to, direct classroom observation and consultation; assistance in instructional planning and preparation; support in implementation and delivery of classroom instruction; and other assistance intended to enhance the professional performance and development of the beginning teacher. (d) “ Mentor teacher ” means a teacher who: (i) Possesses a standard teaching personnel service or administrative license issued by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development; (ii) At the time of selection, is employed under contract primarily as a classroom teacher by a public school district or is retired from a public school district; (iii) Has successfully taught for three (3) or more years as a licensed teacher in any public school; (iv) Has been selected and trained as described in Section 37-9-211 ; and (v) Has demonstrated mastery of teaching skills and subject matter knowledge. (e) “ Teacher ” means a licensed employee of a local school district who has direct responsibility for instruction, coordination of educational programs or supervision of teachers and who is compensated for services from public funds.