Teaching is both a science and an art. At its core, the study of education is interdisciplinary, always intertwining the mastery of content knowledge with the practice of pedagogy. The Department of Education offers innovative programs that effectively prepare students to teach in elementary and secondary schools. Programs within the Department of Education provide students with opportunities to extend their liberal arts learning through inquiry into theory, the science of human learning, and applied teaching research.

 
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

Classes are small and allow for a great deal of interaction between the professors and the candidates. In addition, candidates are provided field experiences in K-12 classrooms through their program coursework, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter the field of education.

 
7 Reasons to Teach

1. The opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of children. Research indicates that an effective teacher is the most important factor in students’ academic success. And there is tremendous satisfaction in watching a child discover new learning. As George Washington Carver said, “Education is the key to unlock a golden door of freedom.”

2. An outlet for your creativity. The need to engage all students in learning prompts a teacher to be creative in adapting and developing learning activities, and using new technologies allow teachers to bring the world – even the universe – into their classrooms and the lives of their students. Teachers are able to master the art and science of learning. The opportunities for exploring new and exciting ideas and strategies are limitless!

3. The incentives for continued education and lifelong learning. Good teachers never stop learning and growing, and you can earn pay increases with education and professional development opportunities. There is a career path in educational coaching, curriculum development, leadership, counseling and administration. It all starts here.

4. The portability of the teaching credential. If at some point you choose to leave Louisiana, your teaching credential will allow you to teach in other states and even, in some cases, overseas.

5. The family-friendly work schedule. The daily schedule and school holidays will allow you to spend quality time with your family, and summer vacation will allow you to pursue advanced education, engage in hobbies and other work, and enjoy leisure time.

6. A work environment that is never dull. Teachers will tell you that no two days are ever alike. The variety of people you meet, the new challenges and experiences, the daily discoveries by you and your students, all combine to make teaching an interesting and engaging adventure.

7. The chance to change the future. Everyone remembers a teacher that impacted their lives in a positive way. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to provide students with the encouragement, knowledge and love to achieve their dreams. Christa McAuliffe, American teacher and astronaut said, “I touch the future: I teach.”