Teach Northwestern

Program Overview

Teach Nothwestern is Northwestern State University 's innovative recruitment initiative to attract outstanding individuals to become teachers in Louisiana schools. Candidates include degreed professionals and recent college graduates who will bring their experiences, knowledge, and records of achievement to public schools. No experience in education is necessary. If you desire to work with children or young adults, possess the ability to overcome challenges, have a drive to achieve results and the desire and motivation to make a difference, Teach Northwestern may be right for you.

Teach Northwestern is for:

People who possess the dispositions and motivation necessary to be successful teachers

Persons from all professions or fields of study

Individuals who have excelled as students or in their previous careers and who are looking for opportunities to teach

Achievers who have the flexibility and initiative to adapt to a new environment and who are excited by challenges and the opportunity to teach where their talents are most needed

People who see the issues that face education in our state, recognize the need for great teachers , and view Teach Northwestern as an opportunity to do something about it

Program options:

 Teach Northwestern offers three alternate teacher certification programs:

The Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP):

 PREP is for individuals interested in becoming certified through an accelerated certification program while teaching full-time.

Preparing Responsive Educators Program (PREP) is an intense and accelerated program for those wishing to teach in Louisiana 's public schools while earning certification in one of the following areas: Elementary Grades 1-5, Middle Grades 4-8, Secondary Grades 6-12, or Mild/Moderate Special Education Grades 1-12.

PREP classes are offered during the summer, followed by two semesters of internship. All candidates must present a letter of intent to employ from an employing parish. Students may also apply the PREP courses towards a Master of Art in Teaching degree, which includes additional coursework and requirements beyond those of PREP.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT):

 This program is for individuals who seek a traditional degree program and need more flexibility while pursuing certification and a Master's Degree. Courses are offered online and in the evenings.

Candidates earn a Master of Arts degree and complete teacher certification in one of the following areas: Grades PK-3, Elementary Grades 1-5, Middle Grades 4-8, Secondary Grades 6-12, or Mild/Moderate Special Education Grades 1-12.

Non-Master's Alternate Certification:

This program offers teacher certification in Health and Physical Education, Grades K-12 and Music Education Grades K-12.

Students in the Practitioner Teacher Program must complete a one-year internship in the grade level and content area of the certification pursued during the school year immediately following summer enrollment.

Students in the MAT or Non-Master's programs may enroll in either a one year internship or one semester of student teaching.

Application Process:

Eligibility Requirements

 The minimum requirements for admission into an Alternate Certification program at Northwestern State University are:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Passing scores on PRAXIS I Reading, Writing, and Math.
• Passing scores on PRAXIS II Content Area Examination(s)
• Letter of Intent: required for Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP) only. Must be received on or before the Orientation session conducted by the College of Education prior to summer classes.

 To apply, please submit the following:

• Complete application for Teach Northwestern
• Resume including work experience
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Teach Northwestern applicants must also submit a complete application to the Northwestern State University Graduate School . Please visit www.nsula.edu/graduateschool and select the Steps for Admission link under Prospective Students for the complete application.
• GRE

Application Checklist:

• Teach Northwestern Application
• Official Transcripts
• Resume
• Cover letter (letter of application)
• Passing scores on PRAXIS I
• Passing scores on PRAXIS II
• Acceptance in to NSU Graduate School
• GRE scores
• Letter of Intent (for PREP only; Must be received on or before the Orientation session conducted by the College of Education prior to summer classes.)