The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) oversees the public pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 education system in the Pelican State. The state government agency ensures compliance with federal and state education policies, laws, and regulations. Note that the State Superintendent of Education leads LDOE who, in turn, is appointed by the Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education (BESE).
Basically, the BESE sets the policies while the LDOE implements them. Together, these state agencies are responsible for more than 1,200 schools in 72 school districts. Louisiana’s public schools enroll nearly 640,000 students every year with their 1:18 teacher-to-student ratio higher than the 1:16 national average. Public spending per student is $11,917 per pupil, an amount lower than the national average.
The overall academic performance among K-12 schools in Louisiana is a cause for concern among state officials. The Pelican State has a low ranking in the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress), among other national assessments. Reading and math scores, as well as the high school graduation rate, are below the national average.
Louisiana, however, is at the forefront of education reforms designed to address these issues. There’s greater emphasis on early childhood education, standardized testing, and teacher evaluation systems. The state has also encouraged the creation of more charter schools and more school choices.
Furthermore, the Pelican State continues to experience teacher shortages. These are more pronounced in rural areas and underserved populations, as well as in specific content areas like mathematics, science, and special education. Louisiana is making progress, nonetheless, in its teacher recruitment and retention efforts.
There’s no shortage of state-approved teacher preparation programs, however, in Louisiana. Aspiring and current teachers and education leaders will find online programs, too, which offer flexibility, accessibility, and affordability.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Louisiana teaching force or in career advancement opportunities, read on. Here, we’ll discuss teaching licensure requirements and the best teacher preparation programs in Louisiana.
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Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Education is also responsible for the teacher certification process, from initial licensure to renewal, add-on certifications and endorsements, and other related matters. The LDOE also ensures that colleges and universities offering teacher and leader preparation programs comply with state-approved academic standards.
LDOE offers two teacher certification paths.
First, the traditional path is for aspiring teachers without a bachelor’s degree. Fresh high school graduates and individuals with an associate degree choose it because it’s a straightforward entry into the teaching profession.
The process and requirements are as follows:
- Earn a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution. You can earn Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The curriculum must include general education courses, professional education courses, and a certification area of focus.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. You can comply with the requirement as part of your bachelor’s degree or in a separate certification program.
- Achieve passing scores on teaching competency exams. In Louisiana, these exams include:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) – basic reading, writing, and mathematics teaching skills
- Praxis Subject Assessments -specific content area and grade level an applicant wants to be certified in
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) – testing knowledge of teaching pedagogy and practices
After compliance with these requirements, applicants can perform the following steps:
- Complete the online application form for certification on the LDOE official website. You must have a valid mailing address and active email account, a valid Social Security number, and a telephone number. All required materials, such as official transcripts, proof of completing a teacher preparation program, and test scores, are submitted online.
- Pass state and federal criminal background check.
- Pay the certification fees
Second, the alternative certification path is for individuals with a non-education bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have passing scores in the appropriate Praxis exams to be considered for admission. Passing Praxis scores is also a must for completion of alternative certification programs.
There are three types of alternative certification programs available, namely:
- Practitioner Teacher Program (Didactic courses and full-time teaching)
- Master’s Degree Program (Master’s degree and certification)
- Certification-only Program
LDOE issues three main types of teaching certification.
- The three-year Level 1 Professional Certificate is an initial teaching certificate.
- The five-year Level 2 Professional Certificate is the next step in the process. Applicants must show proof of successful teaching experience and completion of a state-approved Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (TAAP).
- The five-year renewable Level 3 Professional Certificate is for certified teachers with at least five years of teaching experience and a master’s degree.
Renewals are made through the school system, meaning the school submits the requirements and forms to LDOE.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
The admission requirements and criteria among Louisiana’s state-approved teacher preparation programs in colleges and universities differ. McNeese State University has a more selective admissions rate than Louisiana State University, for example. Always check these matters when choosing between online programs.
In general, nonetheless, the admission requirements among online bachelor’s degree teacher preparation programs include:
- Completed online application form with paid application fee, if any
- High school diploma plus a minimum cumulative GPA or GED equivalent
- Official transcripts
Online master’s and doctoral degree programs usually have a longer list of admission requirements, including:
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in education or related field
- Official transcripts from colleges attended; minimum cumulative GPA required range from 2.5 to 3 or above
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Letters of professional reference or recommendation
At the graduate level, proof of a valid teaching certificate or its equivalent and relevant teaching experience are required. Many online programs also require a portfolio for admission purposes.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Louisiana
- Elementary School Teachers $62,091
- Middle School Teachers $62,890
- High School Teachers $62,900
- Special Education Teachers $59,967
- Superintendents $170,025
- School Administrators $113,897
- Principals $112,845
- Assistant Principals $92,650
- Curriculum Developers $76,800
- Instructional Coordinators $65,666
Scholarships for Future Educators in Louisiana
- The Louisiana Geaux Teach Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 per year to students in traditional and alternative teacher preparation programs.
- The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana offers several scholarships, including the Classroom Teacher Scholarship, Social Studies Scholarship, and Instructional Support Staff Scholarship.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Louisiana
The five Louisiana universities featured below meet the following criteria:
- Have regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Gained programmatic accreditation from the CAEP – Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Known for their emphasis on academic excellence, student support, and graduate outcomes
Louisiana State University Online
The Louisiana State University System offers several online Education programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. You can find these programs at the LSU Online website with LSU A&M and LSU Alexandria being the primary providers. Most programs offer scholarships, including the TEACH Grant.
- BS in Elementary Education
The 120-credit teaching certification program prepares students for successful careers as Grades 1-5 teachers. The curriculum emphasizes both the acquisition of teaching competencies and preparation for advanced education.
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – General
Students complete 30 credits to earn the master’s degree. The curriculum highlights leadership skills, advanced research, and curriculum development at the K-12 levels.
Concentrations are also available in the following areas:
- Adult Education
- Education Technology Leader
- English as a Second Language
- Reading and Literacy
- Special Education Leadership
- STEM
- Urban Education (No teaching certificate required)
Regardless of the concentration chosen, students complete 30 credits of coursework to earn the master’s degree. Most concentrations require the completion of a portfolio and offer add-on certification and endorsement for certified teachers. Many enable students to participate in relevant professional organizations, such as the International Literacy Association.
Other online education degree programs are:
- MA in Education with concentrations in Educational Technology and Higher Education Administration
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- MEd in Educational Leadership – Teacher Leader
- Ed.D. in Leadership Studies
- In-state Tuition: $11,954
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
McNeese State University
As a component university of the University of Louisiana System, McNeese State offers quality yet affordable college education for aspiring and current educators. The Burton College of Education offers online degree programs in education recognized as among the best in the state.
- BS in Early Childhood Education Grades PK-3
This 120-credit program leads to a Level 1 Professional Certificate credential. Field experience hours are required for many of its courses.
- BS in Elementary Education Grades 1-5
Students must complete 210 hours of field experience and teacher residencies in classroom settings. The didactic coursework equips students with the best principles and practices in teaching and classroom management.
- MS in Instructional Technology
The 36-credit program is among the most selective – applicants must also be accepted into the Doré School of Graduate Studies before being considered for program admission. Applicants should have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or between 2.70 and 2.99 plus minimum GRE scores.
- MA in Teaching Elementary Education Grades 1-5
The 36-credit program is an initial teacher certification program for professionals with non-education bachelor’s degrees. Students must achieve passing scores on a Praxis Elementary Content exam, among other requirements, before formal program admission.
Check out these online programs, too.
- MA in Teaching in Secondary Education Grades 6-12 with concentrations in”:
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- English
- Environmental Science
- French
- Latin
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Spanish
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in:
- Academically Gifted Education
- Content Literacy in K-12 Education
- English Learners
- Special Education Mild/Moderate for Elementary Education Grades 1-5
- Special Education Mild/Moderate for Secondary Education Grades 6-12
- Transformational Teaching and Learning
- In-state Tuition: $8,440
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Also part of the University of Louisiana System, NSULA has a long-standing history of teacher education. Its history dates to 1884, when it was created as the Louisiana State Normal School. Today, the School of Education offers one of the most extensive ranges of online education programs.
- MA in Teaching
This alternative teaching certification program is offered with a two-semester paid teaching internship component.
The following certification areas are available:
- Early Childhood Education, PK-grade 3
- Middle School Education Grades 4-8
- Secondary Education Grades 6-12
- Special Education Integrated Mild/Moderate program Grades 1-5
- Special Education Integrated Mild/Moderate program Grades 6-12
- Special Education Integrated Mild/ Moderate program Grades 4-8
- Elementary Education, grades 1-5
The Special Education concentrations include dual certification in special education and elementary education.
- MEd in Early Childhood Education
Students tackle rigorous didactic courses and a practicum experience based on CAEP and NAEYC standards. S
- MEd in Special Education
This 36-credit program is for certified teachers who want to increase their certification. Concentrations offered are in:
- Gifted Education
- Early Intervention
- Elementary (Grades 1-5) Mild/Moderate Special Education
- Middle School (grades 4-8) & Secondary (Grades 9-12) Mild/Moderate
Check out these online programs, too:
- MA in Adult Learning and Development with concentrations in:
- Adult and Workforce Development
- Homeland Security
- English
- e-Learning
- MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in:
- Academic Content
- English Education
- English as a Second Language
- Reading
- School Librarian
- Transition to Teaching
- MEd in Educational Technology Leadership with concentrations in:
- K-12 Learning & Teaching
- Workforce Development
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Instruction with options in:
- Educational Technology
- Special Education
- Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development
- In-state Tuition: $8,672
- Online Education Degrees: 10
- Homepage
University of Louisiana at Monroe
The College of Arts, Education, and Sciences at ULM offers online education programs through its School of Education. Here, the emphasis is on academic excellence in preparation for effective teaching careers.
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
Students can earn the 36-credit MEdCI degree in as few as 15 months. Add-on certifications in these areas are offered:
- Reading Specialist
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Early Intervention
- Educational Diagnostician
- Mild/Moderate
- Academically Gifted
- Early Childhood
- MEd in Educational Leadership
This 36-credit program that takes as few as 15 months. Students learn the best practices in student performance improvement and leadership skills.
- MEd in Educational Technology Leadership
Students complete 36 credits of coursework covering topics in instructional design, e-learning, and technology leadership. The curriculum also emphasizes the evaluation of learning systems. Students must complete an interactive portfolio as a degree requirement.
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
The 60-credit program can be completed in as few as 24 months of accelerated coursework. Students benefit from the opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- In-state Tuition: $9,579
- Online Education Degrees: 4
- Homepage
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
UL Lafayette, a public research university with the largest student body in the UL System, offers online education programs through its College of Education and Human Development.
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist
This is a 36-credit program where students prepare for leadership roles in curriculum and instruction. Students learn the best practices in technology integration in classrooms, implementation of equitable education, and adoption of effective decision-making processes.
- MEd in Educational Leadership
Students in the 36-credit program train for leadership roles in K-12 settings and for the challenges of being changemakers. The curriculum emphasizes data analysis and evidence-based decision-making among educational leaders. Note that this is a hybrid program with once-a-week face-to-face classes and online coursework.
- M.Ed. in Special Education: Gifted
The 30-credit program is intended for elementary and secondary school teachers who want to teach children with gifted potential. This is a teaching certification program. Students progress through the curriculum as a cohort.
- In-state Tuition: $10,382
- Online Education Degrees: 3
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Louisiana
Louisiana Tech University
- Location: Ruston, LA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $10,695
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- MA in Teaching (Alternative Certification program)
Nicholls State University
- Location: Thibodaux, LA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $8,156
- Master’s of Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Location: Hammon, LA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: Varies
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $8,373
- MA in Teaching
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- MEd in Special Education
- EdD in Educational Leadership
Southern University at New Orleans
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $3,550
- MA in Teaching Special Education 1st-5th
- MA in Teaching Special Education 6th-12th
Tulane University
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $65,538
- Master of Education
- MA in Teaching
University of New Orleans
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $9,354
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- MEd in Educational Leadership (K-12)
- MEd in Higher Education Administration
