How to Get Your Louisiana Teacher Certification
Earning your Louisiana teaching certification is a big step toward a fulfilling, meaningful career in education. With a deep commitment to learning outcomes and a richly diverse student population, Louisiana provides a dynamic and supportive environment for educators.
This guide will walk you through the steps to getting your Louisiana teaching certification — from selecting an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required exams and submitting your certification application in the Pelican State.
Louisiana Department of Education
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) manages teacher certification and provides a variety of resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers comprehensive information on certification requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities throughout the Pelican State.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in Louisiana
Louisiana has different paths to teacher licensure, depending on your educational background and experience:
The Traditional Pathway
If you are a high school graduate and know you want to become a teacher, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education that includes a state- approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
You’ll then need to:
- Pass the Praxis exams required for your certification area.
- Complete a student teaching experience as part of your EPP.
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
- Apply for certification through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
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The Alternative Pathway
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you can start teaching with a Practitioner License while you complete your Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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Benefits of Earning Your Louisiana Teaching Certification
Generous Perks
Louisiana provides teachers with competitive benefits, including comprehensive health insurance packages. Educators are also part of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), which offers defined benefit retirement plans.
Diverse Student Body
Louisiana’s K–12 student population is highly diverse. Educators have opportunities to engage with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds to create inclusive and dynamic learning environments.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Louisiana offers multiple pathways for educators to grow and develop their careers. Teachers can become Louisiana Mentor Teachers or Content Leaders, or advance into school leadership roles through an Educational Leader Certification.
Supportive Community
Louisiana’s education
community is built on collaboration and a deep commitment to student success, offering teachers strong networks and a culture of support.
Types of Louisiana Teacher Certifications
Louisiana has four primary types of teacher certifications, including:
Practitioner License (PL)
The Practitioner License is a temporary teaching certification issued to individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program. It allows candidates to teach as the teacher of record while completing their certification requirements. This license is valid for one year and may be renewed for up to three years as long as the candidate continues making progress toward full certification.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Enrollment in an alternative certification program
- Passing scores on all required Praxis exams
- Offer of employment in a Louisiana public or approved private school
- Submission of fingerprints and passing a state and federal background check
- Application submission through the LDOE Certification Portal
Level 1 Professional Certificate
The Level 1 Certificate is Louisiana’s entry-level certification for fully certified teachers. It is valid for three years and can be renewed once. Teachers must advance to a Level 2 Certificate before their renewal period expires.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Completion of an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all required Praxis exams for the subject area
- Completion of a student teaching experience
- Submission of fingerprints and passing a state and federal background check
- Application submission through the LDOE Certification Portal
Level 2 Professional Certificate
The Level 2 Certificate is Louisiana’s standard renewable teaching certificate, issued to teachers who have gained experience and demonstrated effective performance in the classroom. It is valid for five years and is renewable upon completion of professional development requirements.
Requirements:
- Three years of successful teaching experience under a Level 1 Certificate
- Completion of a state-approved teacher Induction Program
- Satisfactory evaluation through Louisiana’s teacher effectiveness system
- Application submission through the LDOE Certification Portal
Level 3 Professional Certificate
The Level 3 Certificate is Louisiana’s highest-level, permanent teaching certification. It is available to experienced educators who meet advanced teaching and professional development requirements.
Requirements:
- Five years of successful teaching experience under a Level 2 Certificate
- Completion of a Master’s Degree or National Board Certification
- Demonstrated effectiveness in the classroom based on Louisiana’s teacher evaluation system
- Application submission through the LDOE Certification Portal
For more information on certification types and requirements, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Certification page.
Louisiana Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Louisiana teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Fulfill a student teaching practicum
- Pass all required Praxis exams
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks
- Submit all required application materials to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)
Testing Requirements
Educators in Louisiana must pass a series of assessments based on their grade level and subject area. These exams include:
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Candidates for Level 1 Certification must pass a basic skills assessment to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. This requirement can be met through the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test.
Praxis Subject Assessments
Candidates must pass the Praxis Subject Assessments for their specific grade level and subject area. These exams measure content knowledge and instructional competency to ensure educators meet Louisiana’s certification standards.
For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Certification Testing Requirements page.
Education & Degree Requirements
Louisiana requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or college. If you have a bachelor’s in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
Louisiana Teacher Certification Application Process
Once you’ve fulfilled the necessary requirements for teacher certification in Louisiana, you can apply online through the Teach LA Live! Educator Certification Portal. This process involves submitting essential documents, including official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, completion of background checks, and payment of the application fee. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the LDOE Teach Louisiana Certification page.
Louisiana Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
The Louisiana Department of Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in Louisiana. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you simply need to use the Out-of-State (OS) Application Packet.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Louisiana provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Pelican State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Louisiana. We have answers.
How do I become a Louisiana teacher?
Louisiana offers multiple pathways to teacher certification, including the Traditional Pathway, through approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), and Alternative Certification Programs for those transitioning from other careers.
For comprehensive information on certification types and requirements, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Certification page.
Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Louisiana?
Yes, in most cases, you need a valid Louisiana teaching certificate to teach in public schools. The state offers a structured certification system with four main types: Practitioner License (for alternative pathway candidates), Level 1 (initial), Level 2 (professional) certificates, and Level 3 (permanent) certificates. For comprehensive information on certificate types, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Certification page.
What are the requirements for Louisiana teacher certification?
The specific requirements for teacher certification in Louisiana vary depending on the certification type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.
In general, Louisiana teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Fulfill a student teaching practicum
- Pass all required Praxis exams for their certification area
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks
- Submit all required application materials to the LDOE’s Teach LA Live! Educator Certification Portal
How do I maintain my Louisiana teaching certification?
Specific renewal requirements in Louisiana vary depending on the certification type.
- Practitioner Licenses are temporary licenses valid for one year and renewable for up to three years total, allowing candidates to teach while completing certification requirements.
- Level 1 Certificates are valid for three years and renewable upon meeting certain criteria, including successful teaching experience and completion of a Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program.
- Level 2 Certificates are valid for five years and require ongoing professional development for renewal.
- Level 3 Certificates are permanent and require demonstrated teaching experience as well as advanced degrees or certifications.
For detailed information, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Certification page.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Louisiana?
The timeline to become a certified teacher in Louisiana can vary depending on your educational background and the specific pathway you choose.
- Traditional Pathway: Typically four years (bachelor’s degree including a year-long teaching residency).
- Alternative Certification Programs: Timeframes vary based on the program structure, allowing candidates to teach while completing certification requirements. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
How much do Louisiana teachers make?
Louisiana teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association (NEA):
- The average annual salary for a Louisiana teacher is $54,248.
- The average starting salary is $45,593, varying by district and experience.
Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is the best resource to learn more about teacher certification, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).