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About Melinda Parrie

Web Development and User Experience Specialist at Information Technology Services on Northwestern State University's Natchitoches campus. 203A Roy Hall. Phone #5594.

Flat Rate Tuition for Teacher Alternate Certification

Northwestern State University’s School of Education received approval from the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors to offer flat rate pricing for the PREP program, an accelerated alternate certification program for professionals who would like to become certified to teach at the elementary, middle school and high school levels.

NSU was approved to charge a flat rate of $5,040 in tuition and fees for 18 graduate hours of education courses in three alternate certification programs.  Upon completion, students will be eligible for 12 hours to transfer into the Master of Education program in Curriculum and Instruction, furthering the career trajectory for Louisiana teachers.

“There is a definite workforce need for trained, certified teachers,” said Dr. Katrina Jordan, director of NSU’s School of Education. “According to statistics published in The Advocate, one in five classrooms in Louisiana is taught by a teacher who is either teaching out of field or who is uncertified.  The changes to our program will help address this critical certified teacher shortage in Louisiana.”

Individuals interested in fast track certification to teaching can enroll for the Spring 2020 semester where they can earn three hours in the spring and six hours in the summer to improve teaching skills.  Students would then be required to pass the PRAXIS Core and Content test to begin a two-semester internship in the Fall 2020.  Coursework is offered 100 percent online with face to face field experiences.

“Based on the outstanding quality of the preparation and support included within Northwestern’s program and a review of charges with other Louisiana alternative certification providers, this proposed cost structure would be beneficial to current students and viable for the university,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

“We are very excited to be offering this fast-start program at NSU,” Jordan said. “The lower cost paired with fewer hours means that we can attract more students to our outstanding program that offers them the same superior service and educational programming for which NSU has long been known.”

Dr. Kimberly McAlister, dean of NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, said the updated pathway eliminates barriers for people to begin the program and will help teachers be more effective in the classroom.

“Northwestern is pleased to offer cost effective, high quality options for current classroom teachers who need to become certified,” McAlister said.  “Northwestern State is committed to continuing our partnership with public, private and charter schools across Louisiana, providing coursework and field experiences, culminating with positive growth in K-12 students.”

For more information, contact Jodi Shirley, academic coordinator/instructor at (318) 357-4058 or email education@nsula.edu.  Information is also available at https://education.nsula.edu.

— By Leah Jackson

Hall of Distinguished Educators

Northwestern State University’s School of Education honored several outstanding alumni for their contributions to the field of education with induction into the Hall of Distinguished Educators. This year’s class included, from left, Outstanding Young Professional Lacy Blocker, Dr. Derwood Duke, Theresa Hamilton, Dr. Ben Barron, Barbara Moham and Coach Mike McConathy. They were congratulated by Dr. Kimberly McAlister, dean of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. The induction took place in conjunction with the College’s annual NSU Homecoming reunion and reception.