Caddo Parish Launches First Ever Teacher Preparation Program

Caddo Parish Public Schools is beginning a ground-breaking venture Monday when the district launches its first class of the Caddo Teaching Academy.

The teacher certification program is among the first of its kind in Louisiana by allowing the district rather than higher education institutions to train and alternatively certify current school system employees to become educators. The program is funded through the Louisiana Department of Education’s Believe and Prepare Grant. The year-long CTA program will provide a rigorous foundation for teachers entering the classroom and will include not only intensive classroom work, but also pairings with a new teacher coach and a teacher mentor at each school.

The candidates participating in the first cohort were selected during an extensive process including successful completion of PRAXIS exams, commitment to entering the teaching profession and principal and staff recommendations. Only current, non-certified district employees including long-term substitutes, paraprofessionals and clerical staff were considered in the first year.

“This first group of Caddo Teaching Academy candidates exemplify the very drive that is Caddo,” said Dr. Lamar Goree, Superintendent of Caddo Schools. “Their desire to better the lives of children will only better our schools and our community. We are excited Caddo has been selected as one of two districts in the state to participate in such a ground-breaking venture and we know this will foster success for our district.”

The Academy comes as school districts across the state are exploring innovative ways to bring teachers to the classrooms.

“Aspiring educators need more time in schools teaching our kids, learning the craft through extensive practice and mentoring,” said State Superintendent John White. “What’s more, graduates should be able to demonstrate a positive impact on student achievement before entering the classroom as professional educators. I am thrilled Dr. Goree and Caddo Parish are taking this important step forward.”

In addition to Caddo Teacher Academy, the district in June announced a partnership with LSU-Shreveport which allows the district to work with the university’s education students throughout their college career. This partnership includes not only student teaching but opportunities to regularly meet with district officials and principals to get a hands on understanding of Caddo.

“Caddo is committed to finding and retaining the best and brightest teachers for every one of our children,” said Chief Academic Officer Keith Burton. “The Caddo Teaching Academy is a significant step toward that goal and a program we know will grow in years to come. It is Caddo’s time to shine and greet this energetic and enthusiastic group of new teachers.”

The results will be nothing short of life changing for some participants, including Ketina Williams. Williams began her career as an executive director of a nonprofit organization – even obtaining her master’s degree in business administration. It was during her work with the nonprofit she saw a need in her community and she sought to fill that need by volunteering and substitute teaching. Last year she served as a long-term substitute at Oak Park Elementary/Middle where she taught fourth grade.

“I knew immediately this is what I’m supposed to be doing and where I’m meant to be,” Williams said. “I quickly found out that I needed these children as much as they needed me and I even found myself saying I wish I had made this move years ago.”

Williams said she is excited to be a part of the first class of Caddo Teaching Academy participants and believes Caddo’s program is the perfect means to help her hone her craft.

“The Caddo program is exactly what I need to be a better teacher,” she said. “The teaching academy is streamlined and we will be learning from professionals with years of experience from whom we can glean creative ways of how to engage our students and become exceptional teachers.”