ALTERNATIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
(Post Baccalaureate Level)

The College of Education and Human Development offers an alternative teacher certification program at the post-baccalaureate level for students who wish to prepare for positions as early childhood or elementary school teachers. The program’s early childhood education prepares students to teach in grades PK-3. The program in elementary education prepares candidates to teach in grades 1-5. Note: As of Spring 2006, the Alternative Certification Programs in secondary education (grades 7-12) are being phased out. No new students have been accepted into the programs since Spring 2006.

Students who have earned undergraduate degrees in a non-teaching field may pursue teacher certification as non-degree students through the COE by completing Education courses required for certification and any specific general education courses which did not meet the COE’s general education program requirement (C or better in each courses). Students who are seeking teacher certification should apply to the College of Education for admission to the Alternative Teacher Certification Program. Before applying for admission to the College of Education, interested students must first apply to the Office of Admissions for admission to Southern University at New Orleans.

The Alternative Teacher Certification program provides opportunities for individuals with non-teaching degrees to become certified public school teachers. Pre -candidates for admission to this program must have an earned Baccalaureate Degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.2 (4.0 scale). Students must pass Praxis I (all parts) and Praxis II (Content Area) with scores approved by the Louisiana Department of Education prior to enrolling in the program.

Eligibility for Alternative Certification:

The goal is to recruit the most qualified individuals to teach students; therefore, the admissions decisions are based on a review of past academic and professional performance. The minimum qualifications to be admitted to an Alternative Teacher Certification program include the following:

1. Bachelor’s Degree with an undergraduate Grade Point Average of 2.2 or better on a 4.0 scale. (Candidates accepted into the program must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better to remain in the program).
2. Passing scores on PRAXIS I (Score requirements: Reading = 174; Writing = 173; Mathematics = 172. A graduate degree, ACT composite score of 22, or a SAT (combined verbal and math) score of 1030 may be substituted for the PRAXIS I requirements.
3. Passing scores on the appropriate PRAXIS II Subject Area Exam.

To apply for the Alternative Certification Program, the following documents must be submitted:

• An application for Admission to Southern University at New Orleans and evidence of acceptance
• An application to College of Education for Admission to the Alternative Certification Program
• A typed Personal Statement (500 – 600 words) addressing the following questions:
  • Why do you want to teach in a global environment?
  • How will you use your previous experiences to ensure high academic achievement for your students?
• A current resume, including work experience, leadership roles, community involvement, and past education/training.
• Two (2) official transcripts from each college/university attended.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional contacts
• Official Copy of Praxis I and Praxis II scores

Important Note: Candidates who have not taken and passed Praxis I (reading, writing, and mathematics) and Praxis II (Content Area) are ineligible for admission to the Alternative Teacher Certification.

Program of Study
Leading to Alternative Teacher Certification in
Early Childhood Education (PK-3)

Program of Study
Leading to Alternative Teacher Certification in
Elementary Education (1-5)