Frequently Asked Questions
Teaching in Louisiana
Certification
Qualifications
Application Process
Admission and Enrollment
Your Teaching Position
Training and Resources
Compensation and Benefits
Teaching in Louisiana
What does a typical day look like?
School days are typically about seven hours long; however, class schedules, length of the school day and school year may vary from school to school. Teachers also spend time outside the classroom preparing lessons and grading schoolwork. Fellows will attend professional development sessions or faculty meetings after school hours, in addition to certification coursework. A teacher's first year is incredibly intense, regardless of his or her background or preparation. Fellows should be prepared to work long hours.
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What part of Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge will I be teaching in?
Louisiana Teaching Fellows will teach in high-need schools of Louisiana’s Recovery School District, which serves many of the students of Shreveport and Greater Baton Rouge. Candidates will indicate their preference to teach in either Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge when applying to the program. While program staff consider candidate’s preferences to teach in certain regions or districts of our two communities when possible, being accepted to teach through LTF means that the needs of our schools and the your subject area eligibility are given greater weight during the district hiring process. For more information, review the Securing Your Teaching Position page.
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How safe are the schools?
We believe our schools are safe. We encourage concerned candidates to visit the areas in which they may teach during a regular school day to determine their own level of comfort with the environment.
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I am interested in teaching special education but nervous about that type of job. What does it really mean to teach special education?
Special education is designed around the concept of individualized curriculum to provide greater support for certain students. One of the most exciting aspects of a placement in special education is the opportunity to be both advocate and teacher. While teachers are first and foremost responsible for academic goals, they also work to develop a positive school environment for students with special needs. The best way to get a sense of what it means to teach in a special education class is to talk to a teacher or visit a classroom. More information and training on supporting students with special needs will be available during the summer training and through the Fellow’s certification program.
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How long is the commitment?
We hope that Fellows will commit to a lifetime career in education. The ambitious goal of the Louisiana Teaching Fellows is to build a network of teachers passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis, alongside our veteran public schools teachers with the same focus. We also hope that outstanding individuals who enter the teaching profession through the Fellows program will continue their careers as educators in Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap for many years to come.
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Why should I become part of Louisiana Teaching Fellows?
Your knowledge and experience can help ensure that every child in Shreveport and Greater Baton Rouge has access to a high-quality education. We know that there is an achievement gap in this state and in our nation, and we know that high-quality teachers are the single most important factor in raising student achievement. As a Teaching Fellow, you will join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to closing the achievement gap in our city’s schools and to making a difference in the lives of our students. Learn more on the Program Overview page.
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Do I need to declare on my application whether I’m interested in teaching in Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge?
Yes. All candidates for Louisiana Teaching Fellows are required to select a region when starting an application. Candidates must be passionate about teaching in their selected region, and make a commitment to joining the teaching profession there. If you would be interested in teaching in the region you do not select (this will only happen in rare cases at the request of the Recovery School District and its partners), please indicate this in the appropriate section of your application.
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Certification
What does "alternative certification" mean?
As an alternate route program, the Teaching Fellows program accelerates the process of bringing new teachers to the classrooms that most need them. Rather than completing a traditional teacher education program prior to entering the classroom, Fellows engage in a short but intensive summer training program and complete further academic requirements while they teach full time, earning a full time salary. Review the Certification page for more information.
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Will I receive state certification?
Yes. All Fellows formally commit to working towards and completing their certification requirements when accepting their offer to join the Teaching Fellows program. While teaching full-time, Fellows will complete alternative certification coursework and requirements. Review the Certification page for more information. Upon completion of all required certification coursework and passing scores on all required tests, Fellows will receive a Level 1 Professional License.
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What exams will I need to take?
NOTE: **You do not have to take the Praxis I exam BEFORE applying to become a Fellow. We encourage you to apply now and if you are invited to an Interview Event, we will ask you to bring a copy of your registration for the Praxis I exam or proof of exemption.**
Fellows must register for, study for, and pass the Praxis I and appropriate Praxis II exams before the start of the summer Training Institute and before enrollment in the program can be finalized. The appropriate Praxis II exam(s) will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. Candidates invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized guidance on the appropriate exams for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. Review the Testing Requirements section of this website for more details on the content and deadlines for these exams.
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Can I receive a waiver or exemption from the subject area exam, based on undergraduate coursework or professional experience?
No, all Fellows must take and pass the Praxis II before beginning the Louisiana Teaching Fellows Summer Training Institute.
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How much will my certification courses cost?
More detailed information on certification costs will be provided to Fellows upon acceptance and enrollment into the program. Our goal is to ensure that our tuition costs are low and competitive. The tuition cost for LPTP in 2009-2010 was $3,500. Costs for the 2010-2011 year are being finalized.
Fellows will be responsible for the cost of tuition. Review the Certification section for more information.
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Qualifications
What type of person is a good candidate for Louisiana Teaching Fellows?
There is no one profile for an ideal Teaching Fellows candidate; Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring to the program a diverse set of talents and skills. Strong candidates are those who are committed to having a positive effect on student achievement, who display excellence in their previous endeavors, and who are dedicated to reaching and influencing students—especially those in under-resourced areas—on a daily basis.
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How do I know if I am eligible for Louisiana Teaching Fellows?
Applicants to the Fellows program should review the strict requirements laid out on the website to check if they meet eligibility for the Teaching Fellows program.
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Am I eligible if I have no prior teaching experience or prior coursework in education?
Yes. Individuals without prior teaching experience or coursework in education are eligible for the program and encouraged to apply. The Fellows program is specifically designed to attract high-quality applicants from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession. For more details, visit the Eligibility page.
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Are individuals who have substituted in public schools in Louisiana eligible for the program?
Anyone who has worked as a full-time, certified teacher is not eligible for this program. However, individuals who hold or have worked under substitute licenses are eligible to apply. For more details, visit the Eligibility page.
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Why aren't certified teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching in Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge?
The Teaching Fellows program is specifically designed to provide training and alternative certification to individuals who have had limited or no education coursework or experience. There are other paths to employment for certified teachers and individuals who have completed teacher education programs. For more information on employment for certified teachers in Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge visit www.teachlouisiana.net.
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What if I don't have a 2.5 GPA?
Individuals must have a GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from an accredited college or university to be eligible to apply to this program. Please review the Eligibility page before applying.
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Do I need to be a resident of Louisiana to apply?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Louisiana to apply. This program is open to all qualified, determined candidates with the skills and ambitions to make a difference in the lives of students attending school in Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge. For more information on living in Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge, visit the Living in Louisiana page.
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Application Process
How do I apply to become a Teaching Fellow?
An application consists of a complete online application form, a resume, and responses to application questions. After reading through this website thoroughly to learn more about the program requirements and benefits, visit the Apply Now page to apply today.
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Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?
No. Because of the sheer number of applications we receive, we are unable to consider documents or materials other than those required for a complete application (application form, resume, and application questions). Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for references on the application, which we may contact to receive further insight on our applicants.
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Do I need to send transcripts with my application?
Although official transcripts are not required with the initial application for the Louisiana Teaching Fellows, acceptance into the Teaching Fellows program is contingent upon our receipt of an official, sealed transcript from each institution attended, and Fellows who enroll in the program will eventually need a total of three official transcripts from each institution. Fellows cannot begin training until these transcripts have been received. Review the Apply Now page for more information.
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What happens after I submit my application?
All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility, and then for content. Those applicants who demonstrate potential for success as Fellows are invited to interview in either Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge. (You will also be notified if you are not invited to interview.) You should receive interview notification within approximately two weeks of our receipt of your completed application. Review the Apply Now page for more information.
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What happens during an interview event?
The interview represents one of the most important elements of the application process, offering candidates a chance to demonstrate their strengths and commitment to making a difference in Louisiana’s highest-need schools. Candidates will be placed in groups of up to ten, along with one to two Teaching Fellows interviewers. An interview event consists of both a group session and an individual interview. Each candidate will be asked to teach a five-minute lesson to the larger group, participate in a group discussion, write about a specific educational scenario, and engage in a one-on-one interview with a Fellows interviewer. At the event, candidates have the chance to meet other potential Fellows and to gain a deeper perspective on the program. More information about the interview event will be provided in advance.
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When and where do interviews take place?
All interviews are conducted in person in Shreveport and Baton Rouge. Most interview events are held on weekends, and each candidate will be given the opportunity to sign up for an interview event that is most convenient for him/her. We encourage candidates to apply early, as this may allow more opportunities to select a convenient interview event date.
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Do I have to interview in Shreveport or Baton Rouge?
Yes. We understand that it can be an investment of time and money for our out-of-town candidates to travel to Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge; however, candidates invited to interview must attend one of our interview events in order to continue the application process. Candidates invited to interview for LTF-Shreveport must interview in Shreveport, and candidates invited to interview for LTF – Greater Baton Rouge must interview in Baton Rouge. Interview events are comprehensive and designed to enable you to demonstrate your commitment to closing the achievement gap and your potential to become an excellent teacher through a variety of methods. They are also your chance to meet other potential Teaching Fellows. Therefore, this is not something that we can re-create by telephone or by other means.
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What is the application deadline?
December 21, 2009 is the priority application deadline. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by the application deadline, as interview events fill up quickly. Candidates will be informed of their interview status within approximately two weeks of our receiving your complete application. Review important dates and deadlines and apply now.
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How can I get more information?
We regularly hold information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about the program. Please refer to the Contact Us page if you would like to contact the Fellows office with other specific questions.
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Admission and Enrollment
I applied to Louisiana Teaching Fellows but wasn't accepted. Can I appeal the decision on my application?
No. All applications are thoroughly reviewed during our rigorous application process, and admissions decisions are final. Because we receive an exceptional number of applications each year, we are unable to re-evaluate individual applications or provide personalized feedback to applicants who have not been accepted to the program.
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Can I defer acceptance into the program?
Candidates may not defer acceptance into the Teaching Fellows program; however, they may re-apply to begin teaching next fall.
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Can I re-apply to the program next year if I am not accepted?
Yes, but in order to be considered, you must be able to demonstrate improvements in your candidacy since your previous application. The process for applicants who are re-applying is no different than that for applicants applying for the first time. Because the needs of the school system change from year to year, even those applicants who were admitted to the program in a previous year and declined our offer of admission or withdrew from the program, must re-apply to begin teaching the following year.
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I meet all of the Teaching Fellows eligibility requirements. Why wasn't I accepted?
The Teaching Fellows program is highly selective, with many more eligible applicants than we have positions available in the program. Our eligibility requirements are only the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the program, and meeting them in no way guarantees an applicant acceptance. Neither is an achievement or experience, including prior teaching experience, sufficient to guarantee acceptance.
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When does the program actually begin?
The Training Institute is tentatively scheduled to begin in June and conclude in August 2010. Review the Training and Resources page for more information on summer training. Upon successful completion of training, Teaching Fellows will then start teaching full time in fall of 2010.
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Your Teaching Position
What will I be teaching?
Candidates to the Teaching Fellows program are accepted to teach specific subjects. The subject that you are accepted to teach is based on the staffing needs of the schools, your eligibility, and, where possible, your subject area preferences. Your eligibility is determined according to strict district and state regulations. Fellows are needed to teach in critical shortage subject areas where Shreveport’s and Greater Baton Rouge’s students are most in need of strong teachers such as math, science and special education. Some Language Arts and elementary education positions will also be available.
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How do I know what subject I am qualified to teach?
What you are qualified to teach largely depends on your academic history and your successful passing of the appropriate Praxis II content exam. All candidates must also pass the corresponding Praxis II exam. Candidates with math and science backgrounds or degrees are typically the most successful at passing the Praxis II math and science exams. Please visit the Eligibility page for more detailed information. Candidates will receive more specific direction on what test they are required to take with their invitation to interview.
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Where will I be teaching?
Fellows will teach in high-need schools in Shreveport and Greater Baton Rouge that often have fewer resources and a greater need for strong teachers. It is the mission of the Teaching Fellows program to staff schools in high-need areas, and all candidates should be prepared to teach wherever they are most needed and can have the greatest impact on student achievement. RSD-charter schools, RSD district-run schools, and RSD-affiliated schools in Louisiana, where many of our Fellows will teach, are a collection of schools within the Shreveport and Greater Baton Rouge—schools that have historically-underperformed and are now part of a statewide reform effort. Many of our Fellows will teach in schools in low-income communities that are not affiliated with the RSD. Fellows should be prepared to teach where they are needed most. Review the Securing your Teaching Position page for more details.
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How does the process of securing a school placement work?
District Hiring is the process through which teachers find their specific teaching positions in high-need public schools. This process generally includes interactions with both principals and district hiring personnel. Although candidates will have the opportunity to express their subject area and geographical preferences, these assignments are driven primarily by school needs and by each Fellow’s eligibility. Fellows must be extremely flexible about their teaching positions. Review the Securing your Teaching Position page to learn more.
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Can I choose where I will teach?
Candidates will indicate their preference to teach in either Shreveport or Greater Baton Rouge in their online application, and candidates accepted to the program will be accepted to teach specifically in one of these two regions. The Louisiana Teaching Fellows program then facilitates parts of the Fellows’ district hiring process, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Fellow to present him/herself as a compelling candidate for hire to individual schools. Fellows may secure their teaching positions through job fairs, individual on-site interviews with principals and assistant principals, or through direct assignment by district personnel. Teaching Fellows will receive more detailed information on the district hiring process once they have been accepted to and have enrolled in the program. For more information about where Fellows teach, review the Securing your Teaching Position page.
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When will I know where I will be teaching?
Fellows will be actively engaged in the district hiring process from spring through the beginning of the school year. Identifying and finalizing a specific teaching job is a challenging process, as there are many variables involved in predicting job openings at the school level. You will receive more information about this process if you are accepted into the Teaching Fellows program.
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Can I change my teaching position after I have started teaching?
You are expected to teach at the school where you are originally hired and commit to positive change in that school.
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Training and Resources
Once I become a Fellow, how will I be prepared for the classroom?
In the summer of 2010, Fellows will complete an intensive training program that includes observation and practice teaching, daily sessions led by experienced teachers focused on the practical aspects of teaching and issues faced by teachers in high-need schools, and additional coursework related to the foundation of strong teaching practices. Attendance at all components of training is mandatory. Please review the Training & Resources page for more information.
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How intensive is summer training?
The Teaching Fellows training program concentrates a great deal of training into only a few weeks; thus, training is extremely demanding. Due to the critical part that training plays in preparing Fellows to be successful in the classroom, Fellows cannot miss any portion of the training. Please review the Training & Resources page for more information.
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How long is summer training?
The training program for Fellows is a full-time, six-week commitment over the summer.
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Will I be paid for training?
During the summer training session, Fellows are provided with a $2,000 stipend. The stipend is generally distributed at the end of the summer training. Because the time between the start of training and a Fellow’s first paycheck may be lengthy (possibly June to September), we encourage Fellows to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well-being during this time. Participants go on the participating district payroll when they begin teaching. Please review the Salary and Benefits page of this website for more information.
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What kind of ongoing resources and connections are available to Teaching Fellows?
Fellows often look to develop their most basic, ongoing support network at their schools and from their cohort of Teaching Fellows. Although every situation is different, Fellows may collaborate with and access resources from other teachers at their school, district instructional specialists, assistant principals, principals, or a grade or subject-level team. Moreover, summer training events facilitate connections among Fellows who often teach the same subjects areas. Fellows may take advantage of district and school-sponsored professional development programs. The Teaching Fellows program office also makes Fellows aware of professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year and publishes a regular newsletter. New Teaching Fellows can draw on their connections with other Fellows and district teachers as a resource for planning, reflection, and shared encouragement as they strive for excellence in their individual classrooms.
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Compensation and Benefits
What is the starting salary for Louisiana Teaching Fellows?
The starting salary for Fellows is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in the participating districts. Starting teachers in 2009-2010 in Shreveport, with no previous classroom experience, are typically earning roughly $40,000 in their first year, depending on their education level and related coursework. The range of salaries throughout public and public-charter schools in Louisiana is $30,000 to $45,000 for first year teachers, depending upon the particular region and district. Fellows will not all make the same amount—there will be a range. Fellows become salaried employees of the participating district or charter school when all teachers report back to work at the start of the school year; teachers normally receive their first pay check during the first month of teaching. Candidates should refer to the Salary and Benefits page for more information.
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What employment benefits do Fellows receive?
Fellows are eligible for the same benefits as all other new teachers, including health insurance and a pension plan. For more information about benefits, refer to the Salary and Benefits page.
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