Louisiana Department of Education

Toll-Free 1.877.453.2721


 No Child Left Behind Teach Louisiana

Professional Development

Teacher Professional Growth


Click here for a printer friendly version of this page  
Individual Teacher Professional Growth

A school's most important asset is its teaching force; therefore, it is critical that teachers continue to learn. High quality professional development for teachers can lead to improving academic performance for all students, eliminating achievement gaps, and preparing students to be effective citizens in a global market.

National Staff Development Council Standards for Staff Development
National Board Certification for Teachers


Algebra I Online Professional Development Modules

Algebra I Online The Algebra I ONLINE Professional Development Modules are part of a coordinated set of learning experiences for teachers of algebra that will provide the vehicle for mathematics teachers to comprehensively evaluate and improve their mathematics content knowledge, skills sets, and instructional practices. The Algebra I Online Professional Development Modules will be specifically designed to assist teachers with preparing students for success on the Algebra I End-of-Course Exam.

Modules include:

1. Notion of a Variable
2. Rates of Change - Part 1
3. Multiple Representations (with input/output relationships)
4. Role of Functions (with input/output relationships)
5. Slope - Part 1
6. Rates of Change - Part 2
7. Slope - Part 2
8. Solving Systems of Equations
9. Measurement
10. Permutations and Combinations
11. Measures of Central Tendency

Target Audience: Teachers of Algebra I and teachers of those mathematics courses that immediately precede Algebra I (i.e. middle grade math teachers)

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete all modules are eligible for fifteen (15) Continuting Learning Units (CLUs) per module. These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for awarding of CLUs. Note: Participants must complete the entire course and the culminating project.

Length: 4-5 weeks per module


For more information contact:
Ernise Singleton  
Education Technology Consultant
ernise.singleton@la.gov
225.342.5173
225.219.4508 Fax

Topics for Algebra Leaders and Instructors (TALI)

This ONLINE course is designed to provide teachers with effective instructional strategies for implementing the Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs) when teaching Algebra I, as well as an awareness of Algebra I topics and issues. Opportunities are also provided to explore ways instructional technology can be used to support student achievement, and instructional learning activities give teachers a better understanding of the content and methods of the Algebra I class. The course targets middle and high school teachers who want to improve their content understanding of the three math strands: (1) algebra, (2) patterns, relations, and functions, and (3) data analysis. Successful completion of this course will give teachers some background for the PRAXIS Middle School Mathematics Test in their efforts to meet the NCLB and State requirements of Highly Qualified status. A participant in this course will have access to online Algebra resources that will cause an increase in his or her understanding of the mathematics content needed to teach Algebra I.

Targeted Audience: All teachers of Algebra I and teachers of those mathematics courses that immediately precede Algebra I. Note: Algebra I Comprehensive Curriculum lessons will be covered, not middle school math topics.

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete the TALI online course are eligible for forty-five (45) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward relicensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for the awarding of the CLUs. Also, if possible, the course MAY be taken for 3 graduate credits. The anticipated tuition cost for graduate credits is $525 plus $25 application fee. Contact Ernise Singleton at ernise.singleton@la.gov to determine if graduate credit is available.

Length: 8 weeks


For more information contact:
Ernise Singleton  
Education Technology Consultant
ernise.singleton@la.gov
225.342.5173
225.219.4508 Fax

Algebra I Comprehensive Curriculum Awareness Workshop

This FACE-TO-FACE Algebra I Comprehensive Curriculum Awareness Workshop for mathematics teachers is designed to build greater awareness and understanding of the Algebra I Comprehensive Curriculum. Teachers will collaboratively complete sample insturctional activities and appropriate classroom assessments aligned to Louisiana's Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs). Additionally, to promote conceptual learning, participants will explore instructional strategies and technologies for problem solving in an Algebra I classroom.

Targeted Audience: All teachers of Algebra I and teachers of those mathematics courses that immediately precede Algebra I. Note: Algebra I Comprehensive Curriculum lessons will be covered, not middle school math topics.

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete the workshop are eligible for twelve (12) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for the awarding of the CLUs.

Length: 2 days


For more information contact:
Ernise Singleton  
Education Technology Consultant
ernise.singleton@la.gov
225.342.5173
225.219.4508 Fax

Bridging the Gap: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Introduction

UDL This ONLINE introductory course is designed to aid general and special educators to improve educational outcomes for all learners. In this course, educators will use technology, including technology with universal design principles and assistive technology devices, to maximize accessibility to the general education curriculum for children with disabilities.

Targeted Audience: General and special educators

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete this workshop are eligible for thirty (30) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for awarding the CLUs.

Length: 6 weeks


For more information contact:
Rebecca Green  
Education Program Consultant
rebecca.green@la.gov
225.342.6259
225.219.4508 Fax

Bridging the Gap: Universal Design for Learning - Math

In this ONLINE course, educators focus on the use of technology to support learning mathematics following the principles and standards recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

PREREQUISITE: Bridging the Gap: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Introduction

Targeted Audience: General and special education teachers

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete this workshop are eligible for thirty (30) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for the awarding of the CLUs.

Length: 6 weeks


For more information contact:
Rebecca Green  
Education Program Consultant
rebecca.green@la.gov
225.342.6259
225.219.4508 Fax

Bridging the Gap: Universal Design for Learning - Language

In this ONLINE course, educators will focus on the use of technology to support reading and literacy strategies.

PREREQUISITE: Bridging the Gap: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Introduction

Targeted Audience: General and special education teachers

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete this workshop are eligible for thirty (30) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for the awarding of the CLUs.

Length: 6 weeks


For more information contact:
Rebecca Green  
Education Program Consultant
rebecca.green@la.gov
225.342.6259
225.219.4508 Fax

Special Education Seminar - Collaboration and Teaming

spec ed In this ONLINE course, educators work effectively with parents, professionals, paraprofessionals, and others in the school and community to help students with disabilities achieve their IEP goals.

Targeted Audience: General and special education teachers

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete this workshop are eligible for eighteen (18) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for the awarding of the CLUs.

Length: 4 weeks


For more information contact:
Rebecca Green  
Education Program Consultant
rebecca.green@la.gov
225.342.6259
225.219.4508 Fax

Special Education Seminar - Ethical Practices

In this ONLINE course, educators gain a better understanding of educational laws and policies and continue to improve professional practice.

Targeted Audience: General and special education teachers

CLUs/Credits: Individuals who successfully complete this workshop are eligible for eighteen (18) continuing learning units (CLUs). These CLUs may be applied toward re-licensure requirements and No Child Left Behind HOUSE requirements. An individual's school district gives final approval for the awarding of the CLUs.

Length: 4 weeks


For more information contact:
Rebecca Green  
Education Program Consultant
rebecca.green@la.gov
225.342.6259
225.219.4508 Fax

Targeting Special Education Certification (TSEC)

TSEC This course is in the pilot stage and is open only to preselected districts at this time.

This FACE-TO-FACE course provides support for new special education teachers to become certified. Four support sessions are provided which cover topics such as certification/PRAXIS resources, IEP information, behavior/classroom management, instructional strategies, curriculum-based assessment/measurement, communicating with parents, co-teaching, integrating technology into instruction, and evaluations.

Targeted Audience: New special education teachers

Length: 8 months


For more information contact:
Rebecca Green  
Education Program Consultant
rebecca.green@la.gov
225.342.6259
225.219.4508 Fax

National Board Certification Subsidy Program

This professional development program is offered to eligible subsidy candidate teachers around the State.

Writing seminars and monthly meetings are provided which cover topics such as descriptive and analytical writing, candidate guidelines and time management, practical and technical tips on videoing, reviewing portfolio entries, analysis of student work, submitting the portfolio, and assessment center guidance.

Targeted Audience: Certified teachers with 3 years of experience

Length: 11 months


For more information on recruitment/informational meetings, please click below:
Recruitment - Informational Meetings

NBC Pre-candidacy CVC Dates & Locations
NBC Pre-candidacy CVC Locations  Word

NBC Pre-candidacy Informational Meeting Presentation
NBC Pre-candidacy PowerPoint  PowerPoint

NBC Pre-candidacy Informational Meeting Handout
Pre-candidacy Informational Meeting Handout  Word


Click below for more information on the National Board Certificaiton for Teachers Program - Louisiana Initiative
Louisiana Initiative

For more information contact:
Andrea Farmer  
Education Prgram Consultant 2
andrea.farmer@la.gov
225.342.0926
225.219.4508 Fax

Louisiana Teacher of the Year Program

TOY The Louisiana Teacher of the Year Program, co-sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, is an annual event designed to recognize and honor outstanding elementary, middle, and high school teachers from each local school system throughout the state.

The Teacher of the Year application provides the opportunity to reflect on and improve instructional practices, to incorporate technology to improve teaching and learning in the curricula, to participate actively, to think critically, to investigate possibilities and to arrive at innovative solutions, thus building capacity for effective, research-based teaching and learning that positively impact student achievement.

Target Audience: Teachers who are chosen as Teacher of the Year at the school, district, regional, and state levels


2008 Teacher of the Year - Laurie Carlton
The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The Pearson Foundation hosts the Teachers of the Year in New York City—a visit that includes the opportunity for teachers to script, compose, and create their own personal video with the help of Mobile Learning Institute representatives. Linked above are the videos.


Teacher of the Year
The Louisiana Teacher of the Year Program honors public school teachers for outstanding service at the elementary, middle/junior high, and high school levels.

2010 Teacher of the Year Application  Word
2010 Teacher of the Year Application Evaluation Rubric  Word


Select the link below for more information on other recognition programs for Louisiana educators.

Recognition Programs

For more information contact:
Frankie Erwin  
Administrative Program Specialist
frankie.erwin@la.gov
225.342.3343
225.219.4508 Fax

Additional Professional Development Opportunities

Listed below are links to additional professional development opportunities, some of which are offered outside of the Louisiana Department of Education.

LDOE Coursewhere
Coursewhere lists multiple professional development opportunities sponsored by LDOE.

Divison of Leadership and Technology - PD Offerings
PD offered by Division of Leadership and Technology

PBS TeacherLine
Professional development for PreK-12 educators. A service of PBS Teachers.

A+PEL
Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana - offers numerous opportunities for educators as they improve their professional skills.


Upcoming Professional Development

new The Division of Professional Development, Individual Teacher Professional Growth, is working on providing NEW and REVISED professional development courses/modules for the State's educators.

UNDER REVISION
1. Grade-Level Expectations Education Module (GLEEM)
2. Effective Instructional Technology (EIT) - Introduction
3. Effective Instructional Technology (EIT) - Building a Portfolio of Exemplars



NEW
1. Problem-Solving Numeracy Module -
This ONLINE course is designed to improve a teacher's ability to analyze a student's work in problem solving and to obtain information about the student's mathematical thinking and sophistication, including where the student may be going wrong in problem solving, i.e. the plan or algorithm for calculation or the student's approach in the calculation process - Module is in planning stage - (for grades K-4)

2. Mathematical Literacy Module -
This ONLINE course is designed to improve a teacher's ability to teach mathematical concepts such as estimating, interpreting data, reasoning (numeric, graphic and geometric), and communicating using mathematical terms and ideas - Module is in planning stage - (for grades K-4)

3. Senior Applications in English -
This ONLINE and FACE-TO-FACE (hybrid) course, is designed so educators will learn how to teach Senior Applications in English. A new course, Senior Applications in English (SAE), will replace Business English. The curriculum focuses on career preparation with topics such as career choice and training, work ethics, conflict resolution in the work place, directing work life to achieve life goals—financial planning, time management, maintaining relationships, life-long learning, community service, and networking. The curriculum also covers other topics such as organizational skills, goal setting, values, effective habits, self-identity, survival, life lessons, citizenship, relationships (personal and community), life changes, and interviewing skills, to name a few - Module is in planning stage.

4. Math Essentials -
In this ONLINE and FACE-TO-FACE (hybrid) course, educators will learn how to teach Math Essentials which covers topics such as ratio and proportions, probability, statistics, topics in geometry, linear functions, step, piecewise and absolute value functions, quadratic functions and other math topics - Module is in planning stage.

5. English II Online Modules-
These ONLINE modules will be specifically designed to assist teachers with preparing students for success on the English II End-of-Course Exam - Modules are in planning stage.


For more information contact:
Lisa Brochard  
Section Leader
lisa.brochard@la.gov
225.342.3498
225.219.4508 Fax