Students not yet admitted to the Teacher Education Program may not enroll in required 300- or 400-level courses in Education. Admission to the program through the TEPAR Committee is required for students in the Alternate Certification Program as well as undergraduates majoring in teacher education.

Admission to TEPAR for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Student TEPAR application

Applications are also available in the Business/Education (BE) Building, room 213. A student may submit an application if s/he:

1. Is a student enrolled in the LSUS College of Education & Human Development.
2. Has completed at least 45 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better on all college work attempted.
3. Has taken English 105 and 115 and Communications135 (or equivalent courses) with grades of "C" or better.
4. Has taken Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPSTs) portions of the PRAXIS examinations in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics with minimum scores of 174, 173, and 172, respectively (Effective 7/01/07). Exemption of Praxis I is available for candidates with an ACT composite score of 22 or a SAT combined verbal and math score of 1030.
5. Has provided evidence through recommendations that the student possesses organizational skills, interpersonal skills, integrity, academic ability, and is freed from emotional and physical disabilities that would be prejudicial to success as an educator.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline set each semester (the fourth Friday of the fall and spring semesters and the first Friday in June). EFFECTIVE JUNE 2006, TEPAR applications will not be reviewed by the committee if they are not complete at the time the committee meets. To be complete an applicant must have at least 45 overall hours with a 2.50 or better grade point average, copy of passing PRAXIS scores, at least 3 positive references and a picture. A student is notified in writing of the Committee's decision approximately four to six weeks after the deadline.

Questions concerning the TEPAR application process should be directed to Mrs. Pat Carter, TEPAR secretary (797-5039), Business/Education Building, Room 213.

2007-2008 TEPAR Deadlines
Summer 2007: June 8, 2007
Fall 2007: September 21, 2007
Spring 2008: January 25, 2008

Admission to TEPAR for Alternative Certification students
TeachLSUS application

Visit the TeachLSUS website at www.lsus.edu/teachlsus for detailed information or contact Ms. Tocha Nolen.

Additional Information for all Applicants
Applications must be submitted by the deadline set each semester (the fourth Friday of the fall and spring semesters and the first Friday in June). The deadline dates are posted around campus, in the Almagest campus newspaper, and on the College of Education & Human Development webpage. No application is accepted after the deadline, and no incomplete applications are accepted. A student is notified in writing of the Committee's decision approximately four to six weeks after the deadline.

Questions concerning the TEPAR application process should be directed to Mrs. Pat Carter, TEPAR secretary (797-5039), Business/Education Building, Room 213.

Retention in TEPAR
Once admitted into TEPAR, retention is not automatic. The Committee constantly monitors each candidate's progress in the following areas: academics, professional behavior and overall commitment, ethical standards, personal qualities and dispositions necessary for effective classroom interaction, and interpersonal skills needed to work with parents, administrators, and other professionals. Any candidate who does not appear to be progressing satisfactorily will be notified that the Committee will meet to discuss these concerns.

Retention cases may focus on a student's effort and progress in one or more courses. All students must make a grade of "C" or better in all education; however, a specific grade does not necessarily indicate adequate effort and/or progress in that course. The Committee regularly reviews students' transcripts and strives to keep open the lines of communication between the Committee and instructors, both in and out of the College of Education & Human Developement, who teach education students. Removal action may be indicated when a pattern of minimal effort or progress is perceived.

Retention cases may also focus on professional behavior at the University or in a public/private school classroom. Such cases may involve such issues as, integrity or ethical behavior, as well as personal qualities such as communication skills, the ability to get along with or motivate others, or the ability to conduct one's self in a manner appropriate to the profession.

The Committee's decision on a student's retention case may result in removal from the Program. However, when appropriate, the student may be given the opportunity to correct identified deficiencies. Should the student be unable or unwilling to do so to the satisfaction of the Committee, s/he will be removed from the Teacher Education Program.

Retention questions should be directed to the Committee's chair, Dr. Deborah Williams, 797-5040, Business/Education Building, Room 367.


Frequently asked questions:

How do I apply?
If you were not given an application in an ED 201 class, you may get one from the rack outside of BE 213, or you may get one inside from Mrs. Pat Carter, TEPAR secretary. After you complete it, return the application to Mrs. Carter. If the form is incomplete in any way, she cannot accept it. Check the form carefully to make sure all items are filled out and all requested materials are included.

What is the praxis test?
The Praxis tests replaced the National Teachers Examinations, which were formerly required. They are similar to many standardized tests, such as the SAT or the GRE, and are made up of multiple sections. Praxis I includes assessments in the academic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. The Content Knowledge test assesses a student’s knowledge of the information s/he will be teaching.

When should I consider applying?
The semester before you complete 45 hours you should begin the process by taking the PRAXIS test. PRAXIS tests are given on selected Saturdays locally each semester. It may take as long as 6-8 weeks to get your results, however. You may also take the exam by computer at Prometric Testing Center, but must make an appointment ahead of time. After the computer test, they are able to tell you immediately whether you passed the Reading and Math sections; however, you will have to wait for the official results of the Writing section to be sent to you. This whole process can take several months, depending on the availability of appointments and the speed of the Educational Testing Service in sending out scores.

How often does the Committee meet to consider applications?
The Committee meets three times a year, once each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer).

How is my GPA calculated?
All college work from all institutions attended are used to calculate GPA. For Alternate Certification students, only grades for courses taken prior to receiving the baccalaureate degree are used in calculating the undergraduate grade point average. Therefore, it is important to list all schools attended on the application form and make sure that transcripts from other schools have either been received in the registrar's office or been given to Mrs. Carter.

If I have a 2.49 GPA, will it be rounded off?
No. If your GPA is low, begin talking to your advisor now to see how you can raise it.
If you do not know who your advisor is, check with the secretary in your department.
Alternate certification students may not take additional courses to raise their GPAs.

Who may I list for recommendations?
You need to provide a minimum of three names for recommendations. A recommendation form will be sent to each person whose name is listed. While we prefer you list LSUS instructors, you may list the names of instructors at other universities (please provide addresses), school personnel (if you have worked in a school), or former employers. It is imperative, however, that you ask each person listed for permission to use his/her name. This will help ensure that the form is understood when received and returned to TEPAR personnel. An unreturned form(s) may prevent your application from being taken to the Committee.

Will I be notified of the committee's decision before registration for the next semester?
Yes, in the case of the Fall and Spring Committee meetings. The Committee mails out decision letters before telephone registration for the Fall and Spring semesters. The summer acceptance letters are sent out in time for walk-in Fall registration (usually early to mid-August).

How many students are accepted into the Program each semester?
There is no set number or limit to the number of students that can be accepted. Every student who applies and is approved by the Committee is accepted into the Program.

For more information contact:
Pat Carter, Administrative Secretary
Department of Education
BE 213
(318) 797-5039
pcarter@lsus.edu