Applications are being accepted for Northwestern State University’s Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP).  PREP is a summer-intensive, fast-track program that results in Louisiana teacher certification in one year.  Candidates complete nine hours of coursework in the summer then enroll in a total of six hours during the following fall and spring semesters.  Programs of study available include elementary education (grades 1-5), middle school education (grades 4-8) and secondary education (grades 6-12).

Individuals who would like to enroll in the summer 2013 PREP cohort must submit alternate certification application to the Gallaspy (Family) College of Education and Human Development COEHD by April 3 and show proof of registration for Praxis I (PPST) and Praxis II (Content Area Exam) if the exams have not already been passed.

 Summer classes for the program will begin June 3.

To help defray the cost of summer tuition, scholarships are available through the Northwestern State University Foundation for those who qualify.

 PREP admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited university, a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, passing scores on the PRAXIS Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) - reading, writing, math, and passing scores on the PRAXIS II content specific examinations in the individual’s teaching area/grade level.  According to Ramona Wynder, instructor of education and Transition to Teaching facilitator, an earned master’s degree, an ACT composite score of at least 22 or a SAT combined verbal and math score of at least 1030 will substitute for passing PPST scores.

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is no longer required for admission to PREP, Wynder added.

For more information, contact Wynder at (318) 357-4058 or email wynderr@nsula.edu.