Pathways to Teaching

In Louisiana, there are three pathways to teaching.

Aspiring Educator/Pre-Educator Pathway

The Educator Pathway provides a K-16/pre-education program for both TOPS University and TOPS Tech diploma –seeking high school students who intend to pursue a career in the field of education. The ultimate mission of this pathway is to cultivate highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college and into the profession.

Learn more about the Louisiana Pre-Educator Pathway for High School Students!

UNDERGRADUATE

The undergraduate teacher preparation pathway consists of a Bachelor of Arts or Science university degree program. If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree or are in the process of completing a Bachelor’s degree, the undergraduate pathway may be the right pathway for you.

POST-BACCALAUREATE

The post-baccalaureate teacher preparation pathway is best suited for individuals who already have at least a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Programs lead to certification as a teacher, especially for non-education graduates. Some programs result in a Master’s degree while others do not.

The Process

The process to the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate pathways include a competency-based curriculum and a yearlong teaching residency experience.

Apply to + Enroll in Teacher Preparation Program > Complete Coursework > Complete Yearlong Residency > Pass PRAXIS Exams

Find and Explore Louisiana’s Teacher Preparation Programs

Certification Questions?

Contact Certification@la.gov