What is Teach Greater New Orleans?

Certification Process

Through a fast-track certification program, the University of New Orleans accelerates the process for qualified new teachers to enter the classrooms where they are needed most. Instead of following the traditional path of completing education coursework prior to entering the classroom, Teach Greater New Orleans teachers engage in pre-service summer training and then complete other academic requirements to become certified as they teach. While teaching, TGNO members will work under a special license until they complete the coursework and assessment to qualify for their formal Louisiana Teaching Certificate.

Summer

Teach Greater New Orleans participants will enter the program in the summer. During the summer session, TGNO participants will take an intensive program of 9 credit hours. This coursework is assessment-based and focuses on practical, hands-on learning. The summer program is demanding of participants' time and energy to prepare them to enter a new profession.

Fall-Spring

Participants assume full time teaching positions in the fall. While teaching, practitioners will work with a cohort of other TGNO practitioners and experienced mentors to further develop their teaching. They will complete 6 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters. In each semester, their teaching position counts as a three hour internship. In addition to the internship, TGNO teachers will attend class one night a week for a 3 hour course. They will also produce a teaching portfolio, receive classroom observations, feedback, and support. TGNO practitioners must also pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam within their first year of teaching. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has proposed a new policy that will require new teachers to pass a Reading Competency Assessment before they acquire their Level 1 Certificate. After passage of all program requirements, participants will apply for their full certification: a Level 1 Teaching Certificate.

Year 2

Following their first year teaching, participating teachers will take the state's new teacher assessment program.

TGNO practitioners can complete the certification portion of the program in as little as 12 months if deemed proficient. Practitioners will continue to participate in professional development induction activities, including cohort group participation, until they have completed their certification.

Certification Areas

• Middle School math and science 4-8

• Secondary 6-12 Math

• Secondary 6-12 Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science and Physics

• Special Education-Mild/Moderate (1-12)

Cost

The approximate cost per participant for three semesters of tuition and books is $3500-4000. A limited number of full scholarships are available to outstanding applicants. Click here to find out more about these scholarships.

Master's Degree

After completing certification coursework, several of your courses (up to 12 hours) may be applied to a Master's degree from the University of New Orleans College of Education and Human Development. For more information, please visit the College's Home Page.