Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification FAQ | New Orleans, LA (2024)

The Teacher Preparation and Certification Program (TPCP) at Tulane is a post-baccalaureate certification-only program. Prospective teachers holding at least a bachelor’s degree can demonstrate content area mastery through the Praxis content tests (regardless of undergraduate major), qualify for a Louisiana Practitioner’s license, obtain a teaching position, and/or take TPCP courses while they work.

TPCP courses are offered in the early evening so working adults can keep up with the program’s sequence of courses. Candidates must pass a series of licensing exams (Praxis tests) in addition to completing the required coursework. Post-baccalaureate practitioners, undergraduates, and others seeking to change careers collaborate in a dynamic, collegial environment.

The Teacher Preparation and Certification Program at Tulane is a post-baccalaureate certification-only program. Prospective teachers holding at least a bachelor’s degree can demonstrate content area mastery through the Praxis content tests (regardless of undergraduate major), qualify for a Louisiana Practitioner’s license, obtain a teaching position, and/or take TPCP courses while they work.

TPCP courses are offered in the early evening so working adults can keep up with the program’s sequence of courses. Candidates must pass a series of licensing exams (Praxis tests) in addition to completing the required coursework. Post-baccalaureate practitioners, undergraduates, and others seeking to change careers collaborate in a dynamic, collegial environment.

Individuals must submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA in an earned bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited college or university.

An ACT composite score of 22 or above OR an SAT combined verbal and math score of 1100 or higher (new SAT) or an SAT score of 1030 or higher (pre-March 2016) may be used in lieu of Praxis I. If an individual holds a graduate degree, that transcript also provides an exemption for Praxis I (PPST). Prospective candidates also need to complete the Praxis II content exam(s) in the appropriate certification area.

Individuals should schedule an initial advising interview, at which these credentials will be reviewed and a program progression plan developed. Under certain conditions, post-baccalaureate candidates may enroll in the first courses before full program admission to allow completion of the Praxis and field experience requirements.

Up to nine hours of education course credit may be considered for transfer. The candidate must provide course descriptions (and syllabi when possible) to support requests for transfer credit, which is valid only for courses taken within the past 10 years. All requests for transfer credit must be approved by the program director. Candidates must submit the Request for Transfer of Credits form (available on our Forms page) along with a copy of the syllabus for each course to the program director.

Note that, prior to August 2022, BESE required the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests in reading, writing, and mathematics or that students meet the requirements of one of the state board-approved options such as SAT or ACT. BESE voted to remove this requirement on 8.23.2022 and, as such, The Praxis Core is no longer required by Tulane PreK-12 Education Programs.

To qualify for the Louisiana Practitioner’s License Type 2 (PL2), candidates must have the following credentials:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Pass the Praxis I (PPST) exams (or be exempted due to ACT/SAT scores or possession of a graduate degree.
• Pass the Praxis II content area test(s) required by Louisiana for the certification area.
• Complete at least 80 hours of focused field experience.
• Be admitted to an approved alternate certification program.

In addition to these state-mandated requirements, TPCP also requires two letters of reference and a verified background check. These prerequisites are verified by TPCP in a letter to the employer. The school/district then applies for the individual’s practitioner’s license, which is good for ONE YEAR and may be renewed for two additional years based on adequate progression toward program completion.

Candidates holding a PL2 license have only THREE years to complete the courses and tests in the licensure programs, so careful planning is essential.

Candidates who wish to earn an Early Childhood Education (PK-3) license must pass the Praxis II Elementary Content test and take a series of eight TPCP courses/practica before completing the final clinical (a total of 33 hours). Candidates who wish to earn a Secondary (6-12) license must complete the Praxis II content area test(s) for their certification area, and complete a series of seven TPCP courses/practic*ms before completing the clinical placement (a total of 30 hours).

We have agreements with many New Orleans public schools and through Tulane’s Center for Public Service. Post-baccalaureate candidates working full-time outside of the classroom must have enough flexibility in their schedules to meet the program requirements (approximately 180 to 200 hours in classroom settings before the clinical capstone). Some placements can be made in Saturday school programs or after-school programs, but others require availability during regular school hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Information is available on our financial assistance page. Advisors in Tulane’s Office of Financial Aid can provide information on financial assistance. Full-time teachers and paraprofessionals, including classroom assistants and assistant teachers are eligible for a 20% discount off undergraduate tuition.

After obtaining copies of all your transcripts, make an initial advising appointment. To schedule an initial advising appointment, please contact Program Officer Claudine Davis.

Once you have been admitted in the program, your advisor will be assigned to you based on your intended pathway. Your advisor will evaluate any possible transfer coursework, verify your GPA, and develop a program completion plan. It is possible for post-baccalaureate students to enroll in the first courses (EDLA 2000/ EDUC 3250) while they complete any necessary Praxis tests. The process for admission to SoPA and additional program and licensing requirements will be explained at the initial advising appointment.