School Teaching Requirements in Louisiana, LA
Louisiana, ranking 25th in population, has 727,594 students. There are 1,574 public schools, broken down into 800 elementary, 288 middle, and 258 high schools. Although the state’s SAT scores were lower then previous years, Louisiana still manages to be above the National average in standardized testing. However, only about 7% of graduating seniors took the SAT in 2009, and states with low percentage of students taking the test generally score higher then when the majority of the state takes the test. Louisiana has a graduation rate of 62% which is below average, the state has seen declining graduation rates over the past few years.
Louisiana School Teacher Certification Requirements:
- Professional License Level 1 (valid for 3 years)
- -Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
- -Complete an approved Louisiana Teacher Preparation Program
- -Submit transcripts and references from your College or University
- -Take and Pass the Praxis I test
- -Take and Pass the Praxis II test in appropriate subject matter
- -Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
- -Pass a criminal background check
- -Complete the certification application packed, including transcripts, certifications, and references
- -Pay any applicable fees
Professional License Level 2 Certificate in Louisiana:
After 3 years of teaching with the Professional License Level 1 you must take and pass the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program, after which you receive the Professional License Level 2.
Some districts may require additional training and certification.
Louisiana School Teacher Employment Outlook:
Due to Louisiana’s declining graduation rate, the state is looking for highly qualified educators to help boost the numbers. Skilled teacher’s in the core learning groups (Math, English, etc) are specifically in need. The Louisiana school board is also interested in teachers that receive a National Board certification, and even offers bonus in pay to those who receive one. The teaching industry has proven to be relatively stable even through the volatile job market of the recession, and Louisiana faired as well as any other state, even managing decent wage increases throughout. As in any state, it is a good idea to have a Masters or PhD as that is certainly an eye catcher for prospective employers, as well as giving the potential for increased salary expectations.
Louisiana School Teacher Salary Expectation:
Louisiana is up from 39h to 36th ranked nationally in salary with the average teacher making $45,090 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov). Student enrollment in Louisiana has remained fairly consistent, with the obvious fluctuation due to a growing state population. Relative to the average salary in the state, teachers in Louisiana make a better then average wage, and with extra certification and qualification it is easily possible to make even more.