Becoming a teacher in Louisiana requires meeting certain standards and obtaining state certification. This resource provides an overview of the necessary requirements and pathways to becoming a certified teacher in the state.
It outlines the process of finding approved teacher preparation programs, certification requirements, and teacher testing. Additionally, it provides information about teacher salary and job outlook, as well as teacher shortage areas in the state.
Requirements for Becoming a Teacher in Louisiana
To meet the requirements for becoming a teacher in Louisiana, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, and pass the appropriate Praxis exams.
An alternative teacher certification is available for those with a bachelor’s degree but no teacher preparation.
Louisiana uses a tiered licensing structure with different levels of certification.
Maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA and obtaining a written recommendation from the teacher preparation program are also necessary.
Core Academic Skills for Educators and Principles of Learning and Teaching exams are specifically required, as well as subject-area exams for certain endorsements.
Meeting certification requirements does not guarantee employment, however.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Louisiana
Finding approved teacher education programs in Louisiana is essential for meeting certification requirements for becoming a teacher in the state. Programs must be approved by the Board of Education and those from out-of-state or online must be accredited by regional accreditation agencies. Voluntary accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is highly respected.
Requirements include:
-
Program approval:
-
Board of Education
-
Regional accreditation
-
Voluntary Accreditation:
-
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
-
Documentation:
-
Verification of bachelor’s degree
-
Completion of teacher preparation program
-
Passing scores on Praxis exams
Additional Louisiana Teacher Certification Requirements
In addition to the requirements for finding approved teacher education programs in Louisiana, there are additional certification requirements for becoming a teacher in the state.
A fingerprint background check is not required for licensure, however individual schools and districts may have their own regulations. Candidates must disclose any previous criminal convictions on their application and criminal history checks are commonly required for employment.
A complete application packet must be sent to the Louisiana Department of Education, including verification of bachelor’s degree, completion of teacher preparation program, and passing scores on the Praxis exams. Non-refundable processing fees also apply and can be paid via the Teach LA online licensing portal.
All applicants must meet the certification requirements, however this does not guarantee employment.
Louisiana Teacher Testing Requirements
Completing the necessary testing requirements is essential for Louisiana teacher certification. The Praxis exams are required for licensure in the state, and include the Core Academic Skills for Educators test, the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam, and subject-area exams for endorsements.
The Core Academic Skills for Educators test assesses basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The Principles of Learning and Teaching exam is grade-level specific, while subject-area exams are required for specific endorsements. The Louisiana Department of Education provides a current breakdown of required exams.
Moreover, individual schools and districts may require fingerprint background checks and criminal history checks for employment. The application packet must be sent to the Louisiana Department of Education, and include verification of bachelor’s degree, completion of teacher preparation program, and passing scores on Praxis exams. Non-refundable processing fees apply.
Louisiana Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
With an estimated student enrollment of 716,293, the Louisiana K-12 public school system offers a variety of job opportunities for teachers, although salary and job outlook can vary depending on the school or district. Teacher shortages are common in areas such as English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Science, Special Education, and World Languages. Average salaries for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in Louisiana are summarized in the table below.
| Position | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary | $45,890 |
| Middle | $47,950 |
| Secondary | $48,950 |
Job openings are projected for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers. The student-to-teacher ratio in Louisiana is approximately 15:1, and applicants must meet the state’s certification requirements to be eligible for employment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of becoming a teacher in Louisiana requires meeting certain standards and obtaining state certification. This resource provides a comprehensive look at the necessary qualifications and pathways for obtaining certification and becoming a teacher in the state.
It outlines the process of finding approved teacher preparation programs, additional certification requirements, teacher testing requirements, teacher salary and job outlook, and areas of teacher shortage.
It is important to be aware of the requirements for becoming a teacher in Louisiana.
