Master’s in Education Programs in Louisiana
Like so many other states in the nation, Louisiana is committed to improving the quality of its teaching workforce. But the Louisiana Department of Education’s approach to this challenge starts from within. In Louisiana, a stronger workforce is achieved when highly qualified existing educators mentor and support other educators. It’s a win-win proposition for both new and existing teachers. For new teachers, it means learning in the trenches, from those who understand the nuances of Louisiana’s educational system. For existing educators, it means exciting opportunities to not just help fellow teachers achieve but to also advance in the profession and receive recognition for their efforts.
The Louisiana Department of Education offers a number of Career Pathways for Existing Educators that allow the state’s current educators to become a mentor teacher, content leader, or even school and/or system leader. A master’s in education is the perfect fit if you have aspirations of advancing in the profession in Louisiana, particularly as a school leader, which requires the completion of a Master’s in Educational Leadership as a path to certification.
Keep reading to learn more about earning a master’s in education Louisiana and the many programs that will help you achieve this goal!
Earning Your Master’s in Education in Louisiana – Why Earn a Master’s
While a bachelor’s degree remains the minimum educational requirement to teach in Louisiana, a master’s in education, along with at least five years of classroom experience, will help you earn Level 3 certification in Louisiana – the highest certification level available. Although Level 3 certification is optional, it comes with plenty of professional perks, including more career opportunities and a higher paycheck.
A master’s in education will also allow you to easily transition from Level 1 to Level 2 certification, as it will satisfy the 150 continuing learning units required to transition to Level 2.
Online Master of Education (MEd) and MAT Programs in Louisiana
You’ll find plenty of variety among master’s in education programs in Louisiana. From traditional, campus-based programs to hybrid programs that combine both online and on-campus coursework to fully online programs designed to accommodate the needs of busy, working professionals and those with geographical limitations, master’s in education programs are designed to meet your specific needs and career goals.
A master’s in education serves as the ideal pathway for aspiring educators seeking an initial Louisiana teaching certification, for current educators interested in adding another endorsement to their current teacher certification, and for current educators with interest in advanced study in areas like instructional technology, administration, policy studies, literacy, and more. There are also many master’s in education programs designed specifically for career changers with bachelor’s degrees in other areas who want to make the switch to K-12 education and earn their initial teaching license.
Hybrid or online course delivery remains one of the biggest features among today’s master’s in education programs. Designed with busy, working professionals in mind, these programs offer either some or all of the courses in a convenient and flexible online format.
Louisiana public colleges and universities offering hybrid and/or online master’s in education programs include:
- McNeese State University
- Louisiana State University and A&M College
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Louisiana State University – Shreveport
The University of Holy Cross is a Louisiana private college that offers an online master’s in education program.
Jobs and Salary Benefits with a Master’s Degree in Education in Louisiana
According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, jobs for both elementary and secondary education teachers in the state will grow by about 3.6% between 2018 and 2028, which puts growth in this profession slightly above the projected nationwide average increase of 3.3% during this time.
During this ten-year period leading to 2028, the state projects about 80 annual job openings for elementary school teachers and 50 annual job openings for secondary education teachers due to a combination of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $48,700 for elementary school teachers and a median salary of $50,810 for secondary education teachers as of May 2020.
The top of the pay scale (75th – 90th percentile), which represents salaries for Louisiana’s most experienced educators, many of whom come with advanced degrees like a master’s in education, reveals a salary range of $55,290 – $62,200 for elementary teachers and $59,310 – $65,440 for secondary education teachers.
May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth data for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers. Figures represent national data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2021.
Job growth projections sourced from the Louisiana Workforce Commission and reported in the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Long Term Occupational Projections (2018-2028) database – https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm.
Masters in Education Programs in Nearby Sates
