Want to become a teacher in the great state of Louisiana? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Louisiana.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Louisiana also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification.  Louisiana requires a licensure area of focus, education courses, field experience, and student teaching. Louisiana mandates 180 hours of field experiences and a teaching residency experience (one year) as part of any teacher education program. A list of accredited teacher education programs can be found on the Louisiana Department of Education’s preparation page.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as in your subject area. The state of Louisiana requires the PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test)   for Basic Skills, and the Praxis II: Subject Exams and Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching for subject area competence.

The beginning Level 1 Professional Certificate is good for three years. The Level 2 Professional Certificate, renewable every five years, is given to teachers with at least three years of experience and who have completed the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LaTAAP)  , a two-year period of mentoring and assessment that evaluates the teacher’s knowledge of his/her subject area and classroom management skills. The Level 3 Professional Certificate is given to teachers with five years of experience in their area of licensure who have passed the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LaTAAP) and hold a master’s degree.

Step 3: Submit a Louisiana Teaching Credential Application

After meeting all of the stated requirements, you can apply for Level 1 Professional Teaching Certification. Your teacher education program’s licensure officer will give you an application packet, upon request. Send your application and attachments to the Louisiana Department of Education, Attention: Certification, P. O. Box 94064, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064. You can check your application’s status by clicking here.