NASA Mississippi Space Grant ConsortiumProfessional Development for 5th-8th Grade Math and Science Teachers
Description & Purpose
NASA Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSCG), in partnership with the Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE), hosts an annual conference designed for math and science teachers in grades 5-8 with opportunities to interact with other professionals in hands-on sessions. This conference is facilitated by NASA Education Specialists, MSSGC and CMSE associates, and other professionals.
Dates & Location
Friday, January 8, 2027, from 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The 2027 NASA Mississippi Space Grant Annual Teachers Conference will be held in person at the Jackson Avenue Center on the University of Mississippi-Oxford campus.
In the event of cancellation due to weather, the conference will convert to a one-day event and will be held on the following Friday, January 15, 2027. The conference coordinator will communicate all changes to registered attendees.
Lodging
For attendees who live more than 50 miles from Oxford, MS, a block of rooms has been reserved for the nights of January 7 and January 8, 2027. If you live outside the 50-mile radius, you will need to indicate on your registration form that you need overnight accommodations for either Thursday, Friday, or both nights. You will also need to select which hotel you would like to stay in, subject to availability. Our hotel blocks are at the Hampton Inn-West (110 Heritage Drive, Oxford) and Holiday Inn Express (112 Heritage Drive, Oxford). Our office will make your reservations based on your selections. MS Space Grant will directly cover the cost of the overnight room. You will personally be responsible for incidentals; therefore, you may be asked to provide a credit card at the time of check-in.
Teacher Eligibility
All middle school math, science, and STEM teachers in Mississippi are invited to attend the MSSGC Annual Teachers Conference. Teachers who are seeking to attend the conference for the first time will have priority. Conference attendees will be eligible to receive a $75 stipend and 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for completion of the entire conference. Teachers who do not complete all components of the conference will be ineligible to receive the completion certificate, CEUs, or stipend payment. In the event of cancellation, CEUs will be prorated for the one-day event on Friday, January 15.
Registration
The deadline to register for the conference is December 11, 2026.
Registration Fee
A $25 registration fee is REQUIRED to hold your spot. After you have attended the conference in its entirety, you will be refunded this amount in addition to receiving a stipend payment in the amount of $75.
Payment
PAYMENTS can be made with Visa or MasterCard.
If you need to send a Purchase Order, please send it via regular mail, email or fax:
The University of Mississippi
Outreach and Continuing Education
Office of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning
PO Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
Fax: 662-915-5138
Email: pdlljac@olemiss.edu
Number of Conference Seats
There are 65 conference seats available for 2027. All seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis; however, priority will be given to first-time conference attendees. Teachers are encouraged to register early. The deadline to register is December 11, 2026.
For conference coordination and registration, contact: Coordinator of Professional Development Programs, 662-915-7847 or pdlljac@olemiss.edu.
Directors
Dr. Nathan E. Murray, NASA Mississippi Space Grant Consortium
Dr. Alice Steimle, Center for Mathematics and Science Education
Special Accommodations
Please call 662-915-7847 or email pdlljac@olemiss.edu at least 14 days in advance of the session start date if you need special accommodations such as sight, hearing, or access at this session.
As a reminder, accommodations such as sign language interpreters and some forms of live captioning require a longer lead time, so please consider that when sending the accommodations notice.