Louisiana Alternative Teacher Certification
Teaching Schools in LA
Teaching Reciprocity Guide
All teachers must be certified before they begin working in Louisiana’s K-12 education system. The certification process is overseen by the Louisiana Department of Education. Continue reading to learn more about how to become a teacher in Louisiana.
How to Become a Teacher in Louisiana
All teachers in Louisiana are required to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete a Louisiana teacher preparation program, and pass the appropriate Praxis exams. For traditional route educators attending a Louisiana-based program, the required teacher preparation – which includes 180 hours of field experience and a full year of classroom residency – will be included in the bachelor’s degree curriculum.
Those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree but did not complete teacher preparation may be eligible for alternative teacher certification in Louisiana.
Louisiana uses a tiered licensing structure. Those who meet the basic requirements above are eligible for a Level 1 Professional Certificate. Teachers can advance to the Level 2 Professional Certificate by completing the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LATAAP) and successfully teaching for three years. Educators can advance to the highest certificate, the Level 3 Professional Certificate, by earning a master’s degree and teaching for at least five years.
Quick Guide
- I want to be a teacher in Louisiana, but don’t have a degree: Earn an Education Degree
- I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education: Learn about Louisiana’s Alternative Certification Process and Programs
- I have a teaching degree and am interested in more education: Learn about Master’s Degree Education Programs or Doctorate Education Programs and Information.
- I am already certified and want to teach in another state: Learn about Teacher Certification Reciprocity.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Louisiana
Projected Job Growth
7.3%
Growth in Teaching Jobs in LA through 20262
Perhaps the most important step to becoming a certified teacher in Louisiana is completing training in an approved teacher preparation program. Certification candidates must note that teacher preparation programs in Louisiana must be approved by the Board of Education. Non-approved programs will not qualify graduates for licensure. You can compare key metrics for these state-approved teacher preparation programs by using the sortable table on our Louisiana schools page.
When evaluating program options delivered out-of-state or online, applicants must confirm that the school is accredited by the appropriate regional accreditation agency. The US Department of Education recognizes six regional accreditation agencies. Schools attended must hold accreditation from one of these six bodies for graduates to be eligible for Louisiana teacher licensure.
In addition, schools may hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization is the result of the consolidation of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Voluntary accreditation from CAEP is highly respected and serves as a marker of high standards.
Louisiana Teacher Education Requirements
The state requires that those pursuing Louisiana teacher licensing complete a bachelor’s degree and state-approved teacher preparation program with a minimum 2.5 GPA. In addition, the applicant must have a written recommendation from the teacher preparation program completed to be eligible for Louisiana teacher certification.
Louisiana Teacher Testing Requirements
In order to earn Louisiana teacher certification, candidates must take and pass the Praxis exams appropriate to the grade level(s) and subject(s) they wish to teach. The required examinations include the Core Academic Skills for Educators to assesses the candidate’s basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Prospective teachers must also complete the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam appropriate to the grade level(s) they wish to teach, as well as the appropriate Praxis subject-area exams. Consult the Louisiana Department of Education for a current breakdown of required exams by endorsem*nt area.
Additional Louisiana Teacher Certification Requirements
Louisiana is one of the few states that does not require new teachers to complete a fingerprint background check in order to achieve licensure. However, individual schools and districts reserve the right to conduct their own criminal history checks, which are commonly required as a condition of hire. In addition, candidates for a teaching certificate are required to disclose previous criminal convictions on their applications.
Louisiana Teachers Licensing Application Process
Once prospective educators have completed all of the steps listed above, a complete application packet must be sent to the Louisiana Department of Education. Candidates must provide the following documentation:
- Verification of bachelor’s degree.
- Verification of completed Louisiana teacher preparation program, including certification recommendation from the program’s designated official.
- Verification of passing scores on the required Praxis exams.
- Completed application with non-refundable processing fees.
Applicants must use the state’s online licensing portal for educators, Teach LA, to apply for certification. Visit the Louisiana Department of Education for further details on teaching certification in Louisiana.
Louisiana Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
In Louisiana, there were 1,404 K-12 public schools with an estimated student enrollment of 716,293 during the 2016-2017 school year.3 Based on an estimated 48,408 public school teachers during this school year, Louisiana had a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1.3
Estimates predict 1,800 average annual job openings for elementary school teachers, 510 average annual job openings for middle school teachers, and 1,040 average annual job openings for secondary school teachers in Louisiana from 2016 to 2026.2 The average salary for elementary school teachers in the state is $48,740, while middle school teachers make an average annual salary of $49,960 and secondary school teachers make an average annual salary of $51,810.4 For more information and news regarding employment opportunities and teaching in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Association of Educators.
| Type | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 1,980 | $32,290 |
| Preschool Teachers, Special Education | 530 | $49,480 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 820 | $50,540 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 24,070 | $48,740 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | 3,990 | $50,300 |
| Middle School Teachers | 6,750 | $49,960 |
| Middle School Teachers, Special Education | 1,610 | $50,940 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 13,930 | $51,810 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Special Education | 2,850 | $51,940 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 1,400 | $54,670 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018.4
Teacher Shortages in Louisiana
According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2021-2022, Louisiana broadly has the following shortages5:
- English as a Second Language (General), Pre-K-12
- Mathematics (General), 6-12
- Science (General), 6-12
- Special Education (General), Pre-K-12
- World Languages (General), Pre-K-12
Louisiana Teacher Interview
- Math Teacher & Assistant Principal, Cindy Wallace
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I become an elementary teacher in Louisiana?
Answer: To become a certified elementary teacher in Louisiana, you must have a bachelor’s degree in education and complete a teacher preparation program. The state also requires that you pass the Praxis tests for elementary certification and participate in student teaching in an elementary classroom.
Question: Does Louisiana need teachers?
Answer: Yes! Louisiana has reported teacher shortages in many areas for the 2021-2022 school year, including science, math, English as a second language (ESL), special education, and world languages.5 Teachers in these fields may find jobs more easily.
Question: How do I become a high school teacher in Louisiana?
Answer: Becoming a high school teacher in Louisiana requires a bachelor’s degree in the subject in which you wish to teach and the completion of a teacher preparation program with a student teaching component. You also must pass the required Praxis exams before you can become a high school teacher.
References:
1. Louisiana Department of Education: http://www.teachlouisiana.net/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2016-2017: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Louisiana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm
5. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/
FAQs
To earn your Louisiana teaching credential you will have to complete the required amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. Louisiana issues three levels of teacher certification. The beginning Level 1 Professional Certificate is valid for three years.
Can you teach in Louisiana without certification? ›
All teachers must be certified before they begin working in Louisiana's K-12 education system. The certification process is overseen by the Louisiana Department of Education.
What is a Level 1 teaching certificate in Louisiana? ›
Level 1 Professional Certificate: This is the type of certificate you normally obtain as an initial teaching certificate in Louisiana when you graduate with a bachelor's degree from a state-approved teacher education program. It is valid for three years.
What certification do you need to teach in Louisiana? ›
Teachers with a Level 1 Professional Certificate must pass the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LATAAP) and teach for three years in their area of certification in an approved educational setting to receive a Level 2 Professional Certificate.
How much do teachers make in Louisiana per hour? ›
The average salary for a teacher is $19.27 per hour in Louisiana. 195 salaries reported, updated at August 11, 2022.
What do Louisiana teachers get paid? ›
During the 2019-2020 academic year, Louisiana teachers had an average salary of around $51,566, which ranked 12th of the 16 Southern Regional Education Board states. The average of the SREB states was $55,205, about 6.6% higher than Louisiana's average pay during that year. The national average is around $64,100.
Is Louisiana getting rid of the Praxis? ›
Gov. John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 546 into law on June 18. The law means people no longer have to take the Praxis Core Exam to enter into teacher preparation programs.
How much do subs get paid in Louisiana? ›
Data source tooltip for average base salary. The average salary for a substitute teacher is $124 per day in Louisiana. 130 salaries reported, updated at August 9, 2022.
Do you have to pass the Praxis to teach Louisiana? ›
In-state Applicants
All teacher candidates applying for initial licensure are required to: Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests in reading, writing and mathematics (or meet the requirements of one of the State Board-approved options listed below)
What is a highly qualified teacher Louisiana? ›
State Definition of Highly Qualified Teachers
Existing or “not new” teachers with at least one year of teaching experience were given several options to show they were highly qualified to teach core courses with the caveat that these requirements be met by the 2007/08 school year.
You can definitely take the Praxis without an education degree! Usually the test is taken before graduating from a teacher preparation program. Praxis test results are part of teacher certification requirements in many states. But there are lots of paths to becoming a teacher!
Can I teach in Texas with a Louisiana certification? ›
Individuals who hold a standard certificate to teach in another state or territory, seeking certification in Texas must first apply for a review of credentials. A standard certificate is defined in TAC §230.111(c).
How long does it take to complete Iteach Louisiana? ›
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE? You must complete your instructional coursework within six months. The whole iteach program is designed to be completed within one school year, but you have two full school years to find a teaching position while enrolled in iteach.
What is a TA certificate in Louisiana? ›
requires the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to issue teaching authorizations to substitute teachers in public schools, as well as to substitute teachers, teachers, and administrators in public charter schools and nonpublic schools in which teaching certification is not required.
Do you need a masters degree to teach in Louisiana? ›
Teachers in Louisiana must hold, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, although those with graduate degrees are eligible for higher levels of certification and increased pay.
What Parish in Louisiana pays teachers the most? ›
The highest-paid Louisiana teachers are in DeSoto Parish with an average classroom teacher salary of more than $60,000. That's nearly $22,000 more than the lowest salaries for teachers — an average of about $39,000 a year in Tensas Parish.
How much does a teacher with a master's degree make in Louisiana? ›
degree, the average salary in the U.S. increases to $54,000 per year for elementary and middle school teachers and $56,000 for high school teachers.
...
Average Teacher Salary in the Largest Louisiana Parishes.
| Parish | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
|---|
| Jefferson | $47,000 | $47,500 |
| East Baton Rouge | $45,500 | $46,700 |
10 more rowsFeb 14, 2022
20 Years. Some states allow teachers to retire after just 20 years of teaching service. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
What states do teachers make the most money? ›
New York has the highest average annual salary for public-school teachers (adjusted for cost of living), $77,867, which is 1.6 times higher than in Maine, the state with the lowest at $47,353.
How much do teachers in Louisiana make a month? ›
How much does a Teacher make in Louisiana? As of Aug 7, 2022, the average annual pay for a Teacher in Louisiana is $22,979 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $11.05 an hour. This is the equivalent of $441/week or $1,914/month.
About the Praxis ® Tests
ETS develops and delivers national licensure and program entry assessments to more than 40 states, territories and associations.
How can I pass the Praxis 2? ›
Tips to help you prepare effectively for test day:
- Learn what the test covers. ...
- Assess how well you know the content. ...
- Collect study materials. ...
- Plan and organize your time. ...
- Develop a study plan. ...
- Practice explaining the key concepts. ...
- Understand how questions will be scored.
Praxis I Exam
The Praxis I® exam, also known as the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), is a basic test of your reading, writing and mathematical skills. It is sometimes required before being admitted into a teacher training program.
Which state pays substitute teachers the most? ›
Nevada is the best state for substitute teachers, where the median salary is $31,416. Nevada is the best state, and Windsor is the city with the highest pay for substitute teachers.
...
1. Nevada.
| Total Substitute Teacher Jobs: | 615 |
|---|
| Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $24,000 |
| Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $40,000 |
2 more rowsApr 6, 2021
Long Term Substitute Teacher Salary in Louisiana
| Annual Salary | Weekly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $40,522 | $779 |
| 75th Percentile | $30,781 | $591 |
| Average | $24,802 | $476 |
| 25th Percentile | $19,092 | $367 |
At least 21 years of age.
What is the easiest Praxis test to pass? ›
The Praxis Core exam is considered easier than graduate-level tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as well as the Praxis II and Praxis Subject Assessment Tests.
What is a passing score on the Praxis? ›
Praxis Passing Score Requirements
Generally, a passing score is between 150-160 points, but it is important to find the specifications of the test you are taking and your state/agency requirements.
Are you allowed a calculator on the Praxis? ›
Graphing, scientific and four-function calculators are permitted or are provided for some Praxis ® tests. Unless it is specifically stated that a calculator is permitted for a particular test, calculators may not be used. Test takers are not permitted to share calculators.
How do I get a teaching certificate if I already have a bachelor's degree in Louisiana? ›
POST-BACCALAUREATE. The post-baccalaureate teacher preparation pathway is best suited for individuals who already have at least a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Programs lead to certification as a teacher, especially for non-education graduates. Some programs result in a Master's degree while others do not.
Master Teachers - are highly skilled professional educators who share significant leadership responsibilities and authority with the principal.
Can you teach with an associate's degree in Louisiana? ›
If You Have Completed Some College or Earned an Associate's Degree. Earning an Associate degree from a community college can be an important step toward a teaching career in Louisiana. Some degrees from two-year colleges are designed to offer a smooth transition when transferring to a four-year university.
Can I be a teacher without a teaching degree? ›
So, can you become a teacher without a degree in education? Yes. Good news – you don't have to go back to school and get another bachelor's degree in education to teach thanks to alternative teacher certification programs.
Does the Praxis expire? ›
Your Praxis test scores are valid for 10 years, and you can order additional score reports at any point during that period.
How do you get teaching credentials? ›
General requirements for teaching credentials include obtaining your Bachelor's degree and completing a teacher education program. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico require their teachers be licensed to teach in public schools.
What states accept Louisiana teaching certification? ›
Louisiana Teacher Reciprocity Agreements
| Alabama | Maine | New York |
|---|
| Hawaii | Nevada | South Dakota |
| Idaho | New Hampshire | Tennessee |
| Illinois | New Jersey | Texas |
| Kansas | New Mexico | Utah |
7 more rowsThe one-year certificate is a holdover document to go with your Louisiana teaching certification meant to pass for credentials until you can get the Standard Certificates. This requires you to complete tests and will give you a five-year certification to teach in the State of Texas.
What states will accept Texas teacher certification? ›
43 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North ...
How do you get a teaching certificate? ›
Traditional Teaching Certification
- Choose a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program. ...
- Complete a student teaching experience. ...
- Take your state's required exam(s) for educators. ...
- Apply for teacher certification. ...
- Choose an alternative route teacher preparation program. ...
- Apply for a provisional teaching certificate.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE? You must complete your instructional coursework within six months. The whole iteach program is designed to be completed within one school year, but you have two full school years to find a teaching position while enrolled in iteach.
requires the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to issue teaching authorizations to substitute teachers in public schools, as well as to substitute teachers, teachers, and administrators in public charter schools and nonpublic schools in which teaching certification is not required.
Can I take the Praxis without an education degree? ›
You can definitely take the Praxis without an education degree! Usually the test is taken before graduating from a teacher preparation program. Praxis test results are part of teacher certification requirements in many states. But there are lots of paths to becoming a teacher!
In order to earn Louisiana teacher certification, candidates must take and pass the Praxis exams appropriate to the grade level(s) and subject(s) they wish to teach. The required examinations include the Core Academic Skills for Educators to assesses the candidate’s basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Prospective teachers must also complete the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam appropriate to the grade level(s) they wish to teach, as well as the appropriate Praxis subject-area exams. Consult the Louisiana Department of Education for a current breakdown of required exams by endorsem*nt area.