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Teach! <span class="secondary-title">Initial Certification</span> Initial Certification

Certifications Offered

Teach! Initial Certification

    Overview

    Becoming a Champion Teacher is closer than you think. Our 100% virtual cohorts equip educators with what it takes to lead impactful, student-oriented classroom communities. Whether you’re starting your teaching journey or looking to advance your career, LRCE provides the individualized guidance and resources to meet you where you are and help you succeed.

    Ready to Become a Certified Teacher

    The LRCE team will guide you through the certification process, provide extensive training and coaching, and help you find a position if you don’t already have one.

    • Our coursework and coaching are applicable to all teachers, even those who have experience as lead teachers.
    • The LRCE team will support you in passing your Praxis exams, leveling up your teaching abilities, and working with your current school to help you meet your personal and students’ goals.

    Get Certified In:

    • Early Childhood Education (Grades Pre-K to 3rd)
    • Elementary Education (Grades 1-5)*
    • Foreign Language (Grades K-12)
      • Spanish
      • French
    • English Language Arts
      • Middle School (Grades 4-8)*
      • Secondary (Grades 6-12)*
    • Mathematics
      • Middle School (Grades 4-8)*
      • Secondary (Grades 6-12)*
    • Science
      • Middle School (Grades 4-8)*
      • General Science (Grades 6-12)*
      • Biology (Grades 6-12)*
      • Chemistry (Grades 6-12)*
      • Environmental Science (Grades 6-12)*
      • Physics (Grades 6-12)*
    • Social Studies
      • Middle School (Grades 4-8)*
      • Secondary (Grades 6-12)*
    • Available for Dual Certification with Mild/Moderate Special Education*
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    Our 100% virtual certification program follows a structured timeline to ensure you receive the support you need throughout your journey. From foundational coursework to classroom coaching, we guide you every step of the way.

    Certification Timeline

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    Phase One: Coursework

    In-depth, content-specific coursework taught by Champion Educators through live Zoom sessions.

    • Fully virtual course sessions
    • Curriculum grounded in practical application

    • Interactive discussion and practice-based sessions

    • Supportive learning environment with personalized coaching

    • Preparation to create safe, structured classroom communities and develop deep content knowledge and instructional skills focused on student outcomes

    Summer Cohort

    Sessions Begin June 1, 2026
    • Complete Phase One: Coursework
    • June 1 - July 9, 2026
    • Monday - Thursday
    • Live Sessions from 9:00 - 11:00 am & 1:00 - 3:00 pm
    • Complete the full program in 12 months

    Fall Cohort

    Sessions Begin September 17, 2025
    • Complete Phase One: Coursework
    • September 17, 2025 - March 24, 2026
    • Tuesday & Thursday Evening
    • Live Sessions from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
    • Complete the full program in 21 months

    Spring Cohort

    Sessions Begin January 18, 2026
    • Complete Phase One: Coursework
    • January 18 - June 30, 2026
    • Tuesday & Thursday Evening
    • Live Sessions from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
    • Complete the full program in 17 months
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    Phase Two: Coaching

    Individualized coaching and classroom support from a Champion Coach as you teach in your own classroom while holding a Practitioner License.

    Eligibility
    • Pass the required Praxis Content exams for your certification area
    • Hired as a lead teacher of record within your certification area
    • Completed and proficient with Phase One: Coursework
    • Participants teach full-time for a state-required minimum of 180 days
    • Practitioner’s License is valid in any public, private, and charter school
    Experience
    • Individualized coaching and observations for the enactment of Coursework skills
    • At least three cycles of coaching, observations, and feedback based on teaching and student data
    • Collaboration with school-based leaders and mentors
    • Support with implementing high-quality instructional materials and meeting the needs of all learners
    Timeline
    • Entry points at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters are based on Practitioner License eligibility
    • Practitioners who have completed Phase One Coursework and are not yet eligible for their Practitioner License will engage in live Praxis Support classes.

    Looking to Teach Special Education?

    Earn your dual certification in General Education and Special Education with an additional semester of Special Education Coursework.

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    Program Costs

    No hidden costs - full disclosure up-front of program fees

    • $4,750 for General Education Certification ($500 discount for paying in full)
    • Praxis Exam fees vary by license area and are not included in the program fees
    • Additional fees apply for repeating courses and extending the certification timeline.

    A $75 deposit is required to enroll in the program. We work with individuals to arrange flexible payment options. Many of our district and school partners offer full or partial reimbursement for your program fees.

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    Enrollment Requirements

    Icons-Bachelor-Degree

    Bachelor's Degree

    Official undergraduate transcript from an accredited college or university, showing the degree, conferral date, and GPA. A scanned copy is acceptable as long as it’s an official document (not a web download).

    Icons-Identification

    Valid Identification Documents

    Provide a current driver's license and Social Security card as proof of identity. These documents must be valid and up to date.

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    Praxis Content Exam

    Passing Praxis Content Scores are required for official acceptance and to obtain your Practitioner License, a key part of your certification. However, you can apply and begin coursework without passing the Praxis exams, as conditional enrollment is allowed. 

    Praxis Core is no longer required by Louisiana.

    Application Timeline

    Applications are open for all cohorts!

    Fall 2025 Cohort

    Applications are now open!

    Enrollment opens June 2nd and closes September 16th.

    Spring 2026 Cohort

    Enrollment period opens September 1st and closes January 13th. 

    Summer 2026 Cohort

    Enrollment period opens November 1st and closes May 29th. 

    Application Process

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    Step 1

    Application
    • Complete the free online application
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    Step 2

    Enrollment
    • Sign contract
    • Pay $75 deposit and choose payment plan
    • Upload Official Undergraduate Transcript & Personal Identification Documents
    • Upload Praxis Content Exam Score Reports, if passed
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    Step 3

    Orientation
    • Complete Orientation Prework
    • Attend a live Zoom Orientation Session

    Praxis Content Support

    As part of your certification journey, all practitioners must pass the applicable Praxis Content exams for their certification area prior to holding their Practitioner License. Practitioners may engage in Phase One Coursework without passing their Praxis Content exams, but they must pass in order to engage in Phase Two Coaching.

    Praxis Support

    LRCE provides all practitioners with free access to 240 Tutoring to prepare for their test(s).

    Practitioners who finish the Phase One Coursework and have not yet passed their Praxis Content Exams will engage in live Praxis Support Classes at no additional cost.

    Praxis Registration

    LRCE ETS Code: 6377

    Ready to Become a Champion Teacher?

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