Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Louisiana
The future of Louisiana lies in education, as does the future of the entire country. With evidence-based approaches to teaching customized to the specific developmental needs of children, Louisiana teachers are able to help their students achieve their full potential and develop a love of learning. Early childhood is one of the most important stages of development because it is a period of substantial learning and brain growth. Starting a career in early childhood education can help you make a significant difference in the lives of children.
The job outlook for early education professionals is positive. It is estimated that job openings for preschool teachers in Louisiana are expected to increase up to 10% by 2024. Demand for elementary school teachers may increase 6% during the same period.
Louisiana Steps to Follow for Teachers
In Louisiana, Early Childhood Education (ECE)-certified preschool teachers are allowed to teach children from pre-k to Grade 3. Louisiana is currently implementing a plan designed to improve kindergarten readiness for at risk children through the strengthening of the early childhood system, often called Head Start.
The Early Childhood Care and Education Act of 2012 was passed by Louisiana’s legislature to address an early childhood system that was preparing far too few children for kindergarten. The law was designed to develop an Early Childhood System of Local Networks. The network is geared towards providing more Louisiana children with access to publicly-funded early childhood programs. The network should prepare more Louisiana children for success, from kindergarten on through the rest of their academic lives.
Step 1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
In Louisiana, all preschool teachers are required to at least complete a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited university or college. Graduating with your bachelor’s degree will require the completion of at least 120 credits and around 4 years. If you are ready to earn your Bachelor’s degree, you must have a passion for teaching and improving the lives of young children.
Once you are accepted to the teaching program in your preferred school, you can start with core teaching courses, in which you will learn teaching techniques and methodology. You’ll also need to complete at least 180 hours of experience and a whole semester of student teaching before you can become certified.
Once you earn your license, you’ll be able to teach children ages birth through 8 years. You have to be comfortable working with children in all these ranges, which is why Louisiana schools give you the chance to work in different classes and learning settings.
The final semester of school is dedicated primarily to student teaching. While some of the teaching experiences require just a few hours of work each week, student teaching is incredibly similar to a traditional teaching job. The references that you get at this point of your education will go a long way towards helping you start your career.
Alternative routes to Certification Preparation
If you want to gain some experience, you have the option to finish your teacher preparation coursework while you work full-time as a teacher. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree prior to this, you can instead work toward your master’s degree while completing coursework that counts toward your teacher preparation program. Additionally, if you already have a bachelor’s, but you aren’t interested in receiving your master’s just yet, you can go through a certification-only program. This will allow you to complete a truncated program that will prepare you for teacher licensure while not culminating in any kind of degree.
Step 2. Take Required Exams
You will be required to pass the PRAXIS and PRAXIS II examinations once you have finished your teacher preparation program. These are standardized national tests that verify you have a thorough knowledge of teaching methods and the necessary skills you will be teaching children, as well as
The PRAXIS I exams are for testing your basic knowledge and include Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics, Writing, and Reading. You’ll have to achieve passing scores for each section, which are 150, 162, and 156 respectively.
You can earn exemption from taking core exams if you have received outstanding scores on your SAT (math and verbal score of 1030) or ACT (score of 22). You could also be exempted from the core exams if you pursue the alternative degree option and attain a master’s degree.
In Louisiana, you will also need to take the PRAXIS II exams. These examinations cover specific content dealing with the following subjects: Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood and Elementary Education: Content Knowledge. You’ll need to attain passing scores of 157 and 150 respectively.
You will probably take your Praxis exams at your university or college but testing centers can be found throughout Louisiana in: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Metairie, Bossier City, and Monroe.
Step 3. Apply for a Teaching Certificate
Once all requirements are accounted for, you can apply for what is called a ‘Level 1 Professional Teaching Certificate’. You will need to submit a completed application and also the following: copies of your PRAXIS score reports, a completed Professional Conduct Form, official sealed transcripts from the college where you completed your teacher preparation program, and a $50 application fee.
You’ll mail a hard-copy of everything to the Louisiana Department of Education. You can expect the Department to notify you about receiving the documentation and application. You can check the status of the certification application at any time by visiting the official Teach Louisiana website and entering your details.
Step 4. Maintain and Upgrade Your Teaching Certificate
Your Level 1 teaching certificate will be good for your first 3 years. While you work for these years, you will need to also complete the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program. This program provides mentorship for new teachers. Your new employer will also be providing evaluations of your work over these 3 years. Assuming you get positive evaluations, you will be able to upgrade after 3 years to the Level 2 Professional Certificate.
A Level 3 Certificate also requires 3 years of positive employer evaluations and at least 5 years of teaching in Early Childhood Education. Your request for a Level 3 Certificate will be submitted to the Department of Education by your employing district.
Renewing Certificates
In order to renew a Level 1 certificate, you must have your employing district make the request for renewal. It can be renewed only once for 3 more years.
A Level 2 or 3 Certificate can only be renewed if the standards of effectiveness as defined by your school district are met.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Louisiana Programs
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS. & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teachings of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; MS.
Educational Leadership and Administration; MS., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Education program accreditation by CAEP
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Degrees Offered:
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Educational Leadership and Administration; MS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Education program accreditation by CAEP
Louisiana Tech University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teachings of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teachings of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; MS., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS. & MS.
Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Education program accreditation by CAEP
McNeese State University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS. & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teachings of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS.
Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Education program accreditation by CAEP
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Curriculum and Instruction; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Education/Teachings of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Administration and Supervision; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Post-grad Certificate
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS.
Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Education program accreditation by NCATE
All teachers need to be licensed before they start operating in Louisiana's K-12 education system. The qualification procedure is cared for by the Louisiana Department of Education And Learning. Continue evaluation to read more worrying just how to find to be a trainer in Louisiana. All trainers in Louisiana are needed to hold a bachelor's degree, finish a Louisiana teacher preparation program, along with pass the suitable Practice examinations.
Those that have in fact currently made a bachelor's degree but did not full educator preparation job may be gotten approved for alternate teacher accreditation in Louisiana. Louisiana makes use of a tiered licensing framework. Those that satisfy the fundamental needs over are qualified for a Degree 1 Expert Qualification. Educators can proceed to the Level 2 Expert Certification by completing the Louisiana Instructor Assistance and also Evaluation Program (LATAAP) and properly training for 3 years.
7.3% Potentially one of the most vital steps ahead to be a qualified trainer in Louisiana is finishing training in an accepted instructor preparation work program. Qualification leads require to bear in mind that teacher preparation programs in Louisiana need to be authorized by the Board of Education. Non-approved programs will certainly not certify graduates for licensure. You can contrast crucial metrics for these state-approved teacher prep work programs by utilizing the sortable table on our Louisiana institutions web page.
The USA Division of Education recognizes 6 local certification firms. Schools went to have to hold certification from among these 6 bodies for grads to be eligible for Louisiana teacher licensure. On top of that, universities may hold certification from the Council for the Certification of Teacher Prep Work (CAEP). This business is the outcome of the consolidation of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education And Learning And Also Discovering (NCATE) as well as likewise the Educator Education And Also Discovering Accreditation Council (TEAC).
The state requires that those seeking Louisiana educator licensing finish a bachelor's degree and additionally state-approved instructor prep work program with a marginal 2.5 Grade Point Average. Furthermore, the prospect needs to have a composed recommendation from the teacher preparation work program completed to be qualified for Louisiana educator qualification. In order to earn Louisiana educator certification, prospects ought to take as well as additionally pass the Practice tests perfect to the quality level( s) and subject( s) they want to show.
Possible instructors have to in addition finish the Praxis Principles of Uncovering and Advisor assessment ideal to the quality degree( s) they prefer to instruct, along with the ideal Practice subject-area tests. Seek Advice From the Louisiana Division of Education And Learning And Also Discovering for a present failure of needed examinations by recommendation area. Louisiana is among minority states that does not ask for new instructors to finish a finger print history check in order to achieve licensure.
Furthermore, potential customers for a training certification are required to disclose previous criminal sentences on their applications. Asap teachers have actually completed all of the steps noted above, a complete application packet have to be sent out to the Louisiana Department of Education As Well As Learning. Leads have to give the adhering to papers: Confirmation of bachelor's degree.
Confirmation of passing rankings on the called for Praxis exams. Ended up application with non-refundable handling charges. Applicants should make use of the state's internet licensing site for instructors, Program LA, to get credentials. Go to the Louisiana Department of Education for extra details on mentor qualification in Louisiana. In Louisiana, there were 1,404 K-12 public universities with an estimated pupil registration of 716,293 during the 2016-2017 college year.
You have an amazing chance to cultivate not simply the ability that is apparent to others, however furthermore the shock capacity within each trainee." -Cindy Wallace, Louisiana Mathematics Trainer: Exactly how do I end up being a primary instructor in Louisiana?: To wind up being a qualified main instructor in Louisiana, you ought to have a bachelor's level in education as well as additionally end up an instructor prep job program.
Educators in these fields may find jobs much more easily.: Exactly how do I end up being a high university teacher in Louisiana?: Coming to be a high establishment educator in Louisiana requires a bachelor's level in the subject in which you want to instruct as well as additionally the conclusion of a teacher prep work program with a trainee training component.
All educators should be accredited before they begin operating in Louisiana's K-12 education and learning system. The qualification treatment is looked after by the Louisiana Department of Education And Learning. Continue analysis to find out even more regarding exactly how ahead to be a trainer in Louisiana. All teachers in Louisiana are needed to hold a bachelor's degree, end up in a Louisiana instructor preparation program, and additionally pass the suitable Praxis examinations.
possible instructors need to likewise complete the Method Concepts of Recognizing as well as likewise Educating exam correct to the quality degree( s) they want to show, along with the suitable Practice subject-area evaluations. Contact the Louisiana Division of Education As Well As Understanding for a current failure of needed evaluations by recommendation place. Louisiana is among the couple of states that does not require brand-new instructors to finish a fingerprint background check in order to attain licensure.
In addition, prospects for a training certificate are asked for to divulge previous criminal convictions on their applications. As soon as feasible teachers have ended up every one of the activities detailed over, a total application plan ought to be sent to the Louisiana Department of Education And Learning And Understanding. Candidates require to use the abiding by documentation: Verification of bachelor's level.
Paperwork about the provider's employees plans along with job practices. Documents relative to the business's standards and laws relevant to children, including disciplinary policies as well as treatments. Paperwork enjoyed one to the kinds as well as quantities of the business's insurance coverage defense. Documentation relative to appropriate instructor accreditation requirements.
There are many steps to become a teacher in Louisiana, from choosing what you want to teach to completing your education requirements. Complete your education requirements for teaching in Louisiana by attending a teaching school. Pass all required tests for teaching in Louisiana, and take the appropriate advanced classes. Apply for a teacher license in your state, and receive a teacher evaluation.
Then find a teaching job in your state, complete your certification training, and begin the journey to become a teacher. Continue your education and professional development by receiving a Master's degree, and increased earning potential.
Step One: Choose what you want to teach. If you have a passion for music or art, you may be able to teach a class on those subjects. Or you may be interested in working with children, so consider elementary, middle, or high school teaching.
Step Two: Complete your education. Most states require you to have a bachelor's degree before you can take the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification exam to become a teacher in a foreign country. Some states require their teachers to have a master's degree before they can take the certification exam. Take this step now!
Step Three: Pass your TEFL certification exam. Once you pass your certification test, you'll need to take one more step toward becoming a teacher in your state. You'll need to take the State Board of Education's (SBNE) classroom assessment test to show that you understand how to instruct students in the classroom, and that you can instruct your own classroom in a logical and effective way.
Step Four: Apply for a teaching job in your state. The best teacher jobs in Louisiana are not always the highest paying. You'll need to find out if your local schools offer job fairs, and if the job is in a popular school district.
Step Five: Find a teaching job. Most local schools offer job fairs at least once each year. You can also search online for employment opportunities in your area. Keep in mind that many states require some type of licensing, and licensure requirements before you can teach in their classrooms.
Step Six: Take your courses and get your teacher license. Finally, you'll need to attend one or two training courses to complete your teacher license. to become a teacher in your state. You'll learn the necessary techniques for effective instruction, teaching methods and strategies, and how to prepare students for learning. After you've passed your licensing test, you'll be ready to begin your job search!
You can find much more information about the TEFL certification process at the website, Teacher Credential Solutions. They have all the details about this certification, including what to expect from the exams. Also, they provide some resources for those of you who want to know how to become a teacher in LA!
As a teacher, one of your most important tasks is to help the children learn how to read. In order to help the students understand the materials that you are presenting to them, you'll have to be able to present them in an effective and interesting way. When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language, you will need to learn to present topics and words in a manner that is both easy to understand and also fun and exciting for them. You will also need to be able to understand the basic grammar rules of the language and pronunciation and be able to communicate with your students in a clear and concise manner.
In order to succeed as a teacher in LA, you'll need to learn the art of listening. It's important for you to listen to your students and give them input, even when they don't feel that you are listening. Listening is important for the student because he or she will listen to you. and the student will also listen to you when you have questions or concerns about the material that you have presented.
You'll also need to know how to motivate and encourage your students in order to encourage them to listen to you. You need to be consistent in your instructions, and you also need to make sure that you are giving them enough feedback, and giving them all of the support that they need. in order to be successful.
If you are considering a career in teaching English as a second language, take time to learn about the TEFL certification process and how to become a teacher in LA. Today's job market is competitive and you may find it challenging to get an interview with a school.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
As states all across the nation realize the vital importance of formal education for young children, the need for Early Childhood Educators will only increase. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, preschool teachers was one of the quickest growing occupations for the 10-year period that ended in 2016. The annual mean preschool teacher salary in Louisiana stands at around $36,000.
Higher preschool teacher salaries in Louisiana can also be found in non-urban regions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Iberia, which is a nonmetropolitan area, was the 5th highest paying such region in the country for preschool teachers in 2013. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, close to 50% of the 3,140 Louisiana preschool teachers in 2013 were situated in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Twenty-two percent were located in the Baton Rouge area while 24.8% were located in the New Orleans area.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
Accreditation allows schools to earn credibility and enhance their reputation as leaders in education. Accredited schools are those that have been certified and met the standards set by the governing agency. Depending on the type of school it is, the college is expected to meet certain standards by the national or regional accreditation agency to which it is applying.
Schools are required to demonstrate a solid foundation and mission of educating students. They must also show that they have the resources needed to continue doing this in the long term. Accreditation requires regular checks and reviews to ensure that institutions maintain these standards. It is advisable to only apply to accredited Louisiana colleges, otherwise you might not receive the education needed to get a job.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accrediting agency for southern states, Louisiana included. The body’s accreditation standards include an extensive review of the school’s institutional mission, governance, effectiveness, and sometimes even financial resources.