Website will link teachers to jobs

Louisiana teachers will soon find it easier to learn about job openings and training opportunities thanks to a new state-run website.

The site, www.teachlouisiana.net, is also designed to help teachers learn about the certification process, receive support and resources and identify high-quality training programs.

Piloted Autumn, the Teach Louisiana website is already up and should be fully operational later this year. Two of its main components, the Recruitment Center and the Teacher Certification Center, are now available online.

ìWe have far too many uncertified teachers in our classrooms ñ about 15 percent the last time I checked ñ and I believe the online Recruitment Center will play an important role in significantly reducing that,î state superintendent of education Cecil J. Picard said.

One of the ways Louisianaís shortage of certified teachers is being addressed is through a three-year, $3 million federal grant to improve teacher quality. Part of the grant propelled the creation of Teach Louisiana by the Louisiana Department of Educationís Center of Educational Technology.

The Teacher Recruitment Center gives teachers the ability to search for job openings and post applications online for school districts to review. At the same time, school districts will be able to post openings.

Teacher candidates will have the opportunity to sign up to automatically receive email notifications when a job that matches their job search criteria is posted in the Teach Louisiana database. An interactive map of Louisiana will allow teachers to search for a specific position in specific parishes.

www.teachlouisiana.net