Like all other states, Louisiana requires all its teachers to hold a teaching certificate for that state. You do need to hold or be eligible for a teaching certificate in this state in order to obtain a teaching position. The state issues three types of teaching certificates: Professional Level certificates, Standard teaching certificates and Out of State teaching certificates. Each of these also has levels through which you can advance. The first certificate is the Level 1 of the Professional Teaching certificate and the requirements for this level are that you must have a degree from an accredited university as well a graduation from a teacher preparation program. There are many universities that provide Bachelor of Education degree, which helps to meet both requirements.
As you read about how to get a teaching job in Louisiana, you will see that if you have a certificate from another state along with teaching experience, you can be hired for a position. There are different regulations in each state, so you must ensure you have passed the correct Praxis exams. The initial teaching certificate is valid for a three-year period and can only be renewed for an additional three years upon recommendation of the superintendent of the school district.
By learning how to get a teaching job in Louisiana, you will also learn what you need to do in order to advance through the levels of certification. You have to be successful in the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program in order to apply for the Level 11 Professional Teaching license. This certificate is valid for five years during which time you must complete 150 units in continuing education in order to be able to have your certificate renewed. This continuing education can be university courses or professional development approved by the school district. A Master’s degree is necessary in order to advance to the Level 111 Professional Teaching Certificate.
You cannot assume that once you know how to get a teaching job in Louisiana and obtain a position as a teacher, you can simply sit back and relax. Every time you want to renew your certificate, you must meet the obligations of having undertaken continuing education. The Standard Teaching Certificate is no longer issued in Louisiana, but if you hold this certificate you can continue to teach until you meet the requirements for the higher levels.
For teachers from other states wondering how to get a teaching job in Louisiana, you must have at least one year teaching experience in the last five years since you obtained your credentials in your home state. If you have four years of successful teaching experience in another state where you are certified, you can be exempt from taking any of the Praxis exams required for Louisiana. This certificate is valid for three years, but is non-renewable. You must use this three-year period to take the steps necessary to meet the requirements for the professional levels. Contact the Louisiana licensing agency to get more information on how you can qualify for teaching positions in this state.
