By Norm Miller, LC executive assistant to the president for communications and marketing
PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews)—Louisiana College’s nationally accredited TEACH certification program goes 100 percent online this summer in response to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students usually travel from all corners of Louisiana to the Pineville campus to earn teaching credentials, but now the trip will be via computer, not car.
The digital move of Louisiana College’s fast track TEACH program should appeal to those who seek certification but are apprehensive about travel bans and social distancing, said Dr. Amy Craig, Dean of the School of Education at LC. “The online approach helps answer these concerns and adds to the advantages we offer.”
Louisiana’s 2020 Elementary Teacher of the Year Jessica Borlund said, “Through LC’s TEACH/MAT program, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a teacher, enhanced my educational skills, and built upon my knowledge of classroom strategies.”
Borlund described LC’s atmosphere as “caring and intentional. The professors were always available to guide and encourage me as I needed it.”
Exclusive to Louisiana College is that successful TEACH completers may apply all 21 hours of the practitioner program to a Master of Arts in Teaching, Craig said. The MAT requires only 12 more hours of online course work to earn the graduate degree.
“Our price point continues to be a strong draw,” said Craig, noting the cost could be as low as $3,250. TEACH candidates need not worry about childcare or risk current job security with this approach.
TEACH is for those who already hold an accredited bachelor’s degree, and dual certification in both regular and special education is also offered, Craig said.
Mark Dawson – special education teacher at Natchitoches Central High School – said, “I thrived in the TEACH program and then earned the MAT and a 4.0 GPA. I always advocate to any potential teachers to enroll at LC’s teacher programs.”
Craig assures that students will receive face-to-face in class mentoring support in their classrooms regardless of location in the state. Teachers serving in 53 Louisiana parishes have completed Louisiana College’s TEACH program.
Louisiana College President Dr. Rick Brewer said, “We strive to remain unhindered in the delivery of a quality education, and the transition to 100 percent online is one among many ways we will continue. We have a stellar faculty in our School of Education, which is one reason why TEACH certification at Louisiana College is so popular across Louisiana.”
Brewer noted that public school teachers, by virtue of their vocations, have avoided the mass layoffs and business closings resulting from the pandemic.
For more information about the TEACH program, call 318-487-7302.
