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Louisiana Teacher Certification

How to Become a Teacher in Louisiana

Louisiana offers both traditional and alternative paths to Louisiana teacher certification for candidates wishing to pursue a career in teaching. In order to be eligible for any of these avenues, prospective teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and pass the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test, or PPST.

Quick Guide

Spotlight School

Kaplan University

Popular Programs:

  • MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
  • MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)

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Louisiana Teacher Education Requirements

Louisiana State SealThe state of Louisiana requires that those educators pursing initial licensure via the traditional route complete a state-approved teacher preparation program with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. In addition, the applicant must have a written recommendation from the university or other institute of higher learning to be eligible for Louisiana teaching certification. Candidates who meet these minimum requirements will receive a Level 1 Professional Certificate which is good for three years after which time it must be renewed or upgraded. After three years of teaching experience, applicants can apply for a Level 2 Professional Certificate provided they fulfill the appropriate testing requirements. The Level 2 Professional Certificate is valid for five years. After five years of full-time teaching experience, eligible candidates can apply for a Level 3 Professional Certificate if they have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Teacher Quote “Know that you are entering a profession that allows you to truly impact lives everyday. You have a tremendous opportunity to cultivate not only the talent that is obvious to others, but also the hidden potential within each student.” -Cindy Wallace, Louisiana Math Teacher

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Profiles of Well Known Schools

Louisiana State University: The Louisiana State University College of Education includes the schools of Education, Human Resource Education & Workforce Development, Kinesiology, Library and Information Science and Social Work. Each school has its own director that reports directly to the Dean of the College of Education. The combined schools offer seven undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,600 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. In addition, the University Laboratory School enrolls more than 1,300 K-12 students. The College of Education offers several student services including tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, scholarships and PRAXIS examination assistance. Advisors and counselors offer both academic and personal support for students in all programs. Undergraduates and graduate students should check with their specific department regarding current admissions standards and practices. Students graduating from the College of Education parlay their education into careers such as k-12 teachers, counselors, school psychologists, administrators, and IT personnel.

Grambling State University: Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana is home to the highly regarded Grambling State College of Education. The College consists of three distinct departments including Curriculum and Instruction, Kinesiology, Sport and Leisure Studies, and Educational Leadership. Each department has its own unique educational offerings while all intensely engaging in cutting edge coursework and projects that are geared towards developing the best educators in the nation. What separates Grambling State’s College of Education are the three laboratory schools of Alma J. Brown Elementary, Grambling Middle Magnet School and Grambling High School that offer GSU students with real world and innovative learning experiences that are congruent with GSU COE learning outcomes. Students have ample opportunity to spend plenty of time in the classroom observing and assisting licensed teachers as soon as their sophomore year. Grambling State University College of Education graduates work in every state as well as internationally.

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Louisiana Teacher Outlook as of 2012
In January 2012, the US Department of Labor Statistics reported Louisiana’s unemployment rate at 7.5%, slightly below the national average of 8.5%. The Occupational Supply & Demand System projects 2,620 annual job openings in education and library related fields in Louisiana through 2018. The National Center for Education Statistics recorded 49,377 public school and 9,080 private school teachers employed in Louisiana in the fall of 2008 and 2007 respectively. The average starting salary for teachers in Louisiana is $38,523 and the average classroom teacher salary is $49,006, the 28th highest among US states according to the National Educational Association. The education job market in Louisiana is quite promising as the NEA has reported statewide shortages of certified teachers, particularly in rural school districts. Certified specialization, specifically in science, math or special education will greatly increase employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas. Now is a very good time to request information regarding subject specialized certification from Louisiana education and teacher training schools. For more information and news regarding employment opportunity, education legislature or teaching in Louisiana, please visit the Louisiana Association of Educators.

Louisiana Teacher Testing Requirements

In order for prospective candidates to enter teacher preparation programs in the state of Louisiana, they must take and pass the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). This examination assesses the candidate’s basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics in order to determine whether or not they are ready for a teacher education program at the post-secondary level. Once they have passed the PPST and completed a teacher preparation program at an approved college or university, candidates are then eligible for a Level 1 Professional Certificate. In order to progress to higher levels of certification, however, candidates must also take and pass the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LATAAP).

Louisiana Teacher Salary and Jobs

Type Number Employed Average Annual Salary
Preschool Teachers 3,370 $28,220
Kindergarten Teachers 3,900 $47,730
Elementary School Teachers 18,240 $48,030
Middle School Teachers 9,680 $47,680
Secondary School Teachers 17,160 $48,670

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.

Louisiana Teacher Interview

Interview with Cindy Wallace, Louisiana Math Teacher & Assistant Principal

School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in Louisiana

Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools

University of Phoenix

Popular Programs:

  • B.S. in Education / Elementary Education
  • A.A. in Elementary Education
  • M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
  • M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
  • And more...
California University of Pennsylvania

Popular Programs:

  • MA in Teaching: Advanced Studies in Secondary Education- National Board Preparation
  • Early Childhood Education (Certification Only)
  • Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
  • Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (SLE)
  • And more...
Penn Foster Schools

Popular Programs:

  • Teacher Aide
Colorado Technical University Online

Popular Programs:

  • Doctor of Management - Graduate Level Instructional Practices
  • Doctor of Management - Private Sector Higher Education Leadership
DeVry University

Popular Programs:

  • Master's-Education
  • Graduate Certificate-Management of Education Corporation/Corporate Training Divisions
  • Graduate Certificate-Education Leadership
  • Graduate Certificate-Curriculum Leadership

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Louisiana

Centenary College of Louisiana
2911 Centenary Boulevard
Shreveport, LA 71134-1188
(318) 869-5011

Dillard University
2601 Gentilly Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70122
(504) 816-4640

Grambling State University
403 Main Street
Grambling, LA 71245
(318) 247-3811
www.gram.edu/admissions/default.asp

Louisiana Academy of Beauty
550 E Laurel
Eunice, LA 70535
(337) 457-9480

Louisiana College
1140 College Dr
Pineville, LA 71359
(318) 487-7011

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2750
(225) 578-3202
www.lsu.edu/paurec/

Student Review: “LSU is in financial trouble because the State of Louisiana’s budget – they have cut many programs and faculty. Employee morale is low at LSU which directly transfers to the students. In addition, while LSU Football is a huge money maker for the school, it seems that school spirit and sports are more important than education. During game days, all of the campus is closed and there is alcohol everywhere, along with litter and trash that takes a week to clean up. There is no use even trying to study on campus during football season. LSU has given me a great opportunity with Career Services, and I have already secured full time employment for after I graduate in a year. Through Career Services I also received a 14 week internship which has offered me my future job.” -Katherine J., student at Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University-Shreveport
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115-2399
(318) 797-5000

Louisiana Tech University
305 Wisteria
Ruston, LA 71272
(318) 257-2000
www.latech.edu/admissions/

Louisiana Technical College-Baton Rouge Campus
3250 North Acadian Thruway East
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
(225) 359-9201

Loyola University New Orleans
6363 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118-6143
(504) 865-2011
apply.loyno.edu/

Student Review: “My time at Loyola was fantastic for my professional and personal growth. My classes were always small (less than 40 people) and the professors took time to make sure that the information presented was useful for us (for the most part). New Orleans is an incredible city, with all the entertainment that any student could ever need. The student body can be a little bit homogenous (affluent, Catholic), but there is a distinct group of the students with music majors, and they lend a different spirit to the school. I really enjoyed being a part of greek life, though I understand that the administration is currently doing what they can to end that part of campus life. I would say that is a shame, but the real strength of the school (it’s tie to New Orleans) will always be available to students.” -Patrick T., student at Loyola University New Orleans

McNeese State University
4205 Ryan St
Lake Charles, LA 70609-2215
(337) 475-5000
www.mcneese.edu/admissions

Nicholls State University
University Station La Hwy 1
Thibodaux, LA 70310
(877) 642-4655
www.nicholls.edu/admission/

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
College Ave
Natchitoches, LA 71497-0002
(318) 357-6011
www.nsula.edu/admissions/

Southeastern Louisiana University
548 Western Ave.
Hammond, LA 70402
(985) 549-2000
www.selu.edu/admin/admissions/index.html

Southern University and A & M College
Southern Branch Post Office
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
(225) 771-4500
www.subr.edu

Southern University at New Orleans
6801 Press Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 286-5000

Sowela Technical Community College
3820 J Bennett Johnston Ave
Lake Charles, LA 70616
(337) 491-2698

University of Louisiana Monroe
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209-0000
(318) 342-1000
www.ulm.edu/enrollment/

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
104 University Circle
Lafayette, LA 70503
(377) 482-1000
admissions.louisiana.edu

University of New Orleans
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148
(504) 280-6000

Xavier University of Louisiana
One Drexel Drive
New Orleans, LA 70125-1098
(504) 486-7411
www.xula.edu/admissions/index.html

Page edited by Charles Sipe.

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