DECISION-MAKING PROCESS FAQS
(Click on the question for a dropdown answer)
How long is the program?
For Initial Certification (Level 1):Â Our program offers three timeframes to complete your coursework: 12, 18, or 24 months. The completion timeline can vary depending on when you pass your Praxis Content Exams to earn your Practitioner License on your journey toward initial certification.
For SPED Pro (Add-On): Our program can be completed in one semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer)
Do I need to pass Praxis before applying?
For Initial Certification:
- Passing your Praxis Content Exam(s) is not required for your initial application or conditional enrollment within our program. You may apply and start coursework without passing Praxis scores.
- Passing Praxis Content Exam(s) is necessary for your Practitioner License, a required part of your initial certification journey.
- Praxis Core is no longer required by Louisiana.
For SPED Pro (Add-On):
- Passing your SPED and Teaching Reading Praxis exams is not required before applying but is required by Louisiana prior to applying for your add-on credentials.
What is the difference between a Practitioner License and Initial Certification?
Your Initial Certification (or Level 1) is the goal of your initial certification program. That is the entry-level license for all certified teachers in Louisiana.
The Practitioner License is a one-year license that allows teachers enrolled in alternative-certification programs like LRCE to be hired as teachers of record in a school while working towards their certification. The Practitioner License is required as part of your certification journey.
A helpful analogy is that your Practitioner License is your learner’s permit and your Initial Certificate (Level 1) is your driver’s license.
Can I get certified in two content areas at the same time?
You are not able to pursue two content areas at a time.
The only dual certification offered by the state is a general education certification area with mild/moderate special education certification. If you would like to become certified in multiple general certification areas, you can add on additional areas after earning your initial certification. Each add-on certification area has different Praxis assessment requirements.
Will you assign me to/help me find a job?
LRCE does not assign or place teachers into jobs, but we regularly work with districts and schools to help practitioners find a position within their certification area. Some districts will even pay for your certification.
Do you offer any scholarships, grants, or financial assistance?
As an alternative certification provider not associated with a college or university, LRCE is unable to provide financial aid. However, LRCE is always happy to discuss flexible payment arrangements based on your individual situations. We can also refer you to one of our many district partners who offer full or partial reimbursement of your program fees.
CERTIFICATION FAQS
What praxis do I need to take?
The Louisiana Department of Education regularly updates Praxis requirements on their website: https://www.teachlouisian… Navigating which Praxis to take when is an individual question that we are happy to assist with. Schedule an info call with our team to determine which Praxis exam is right for your certification journey.
When do I need a teaching job?
In order for us to apply for your Practitioner License and join Phase Two Coaching, you will need to have a job as a teacher of record in your certification area. We can support you in this process, but ultimately, it is your responsibility to find a teaching position.
Do I need to take the Praxis Teaching Reading exam?
The following certification areas are required to take Teaching of Reading: Elementary (5205) or Teaching of Reading/Language Arts Elementary Subtest (7002):
- Early Childhood (Pre-K – 3rd Grade)
- Elementary (1st – 5th)
- SPED Dual for Mild/Moderate (1-5; 4-8; 6-12)
Do I have to take Praxis Content Exams (sometimes called Praxis 2) if I have a masters degree?
Yes. All practitioners are required to take Praxis Content exams and their Principles of Learning & Teaching exams.
What is a Teacher of Record?
For initial certification, all practitioners are required to be hired by a school as the teacher of record. At LRCE, you need to become the teacher of record to apply for your Practitioner License and join Phase Two Coaching. You do not need a Teacher of Record position to apply or participate in Phase One Coursework. The teacher of record is the contracted teacher responsible for the students of a class. An easy way to understand it is that you are the teacher of record if you are the one giving students grades and your name shows up on the report card. A teacher of record is not a paraprofessional, assistant, or substitute teacher.
I have been a teacher for several years, do I still have to teach 180 days on a Practitioner License?
Yes, this is a state requirement.
The PLT required by the end of your certification journey. We advise you to take your PLT after you’ve completed our Phase One Coursework while you are half-way through Phase Two Coaching.