School districts across the state of Louisiana, and throughout the country, are facing a shortage of certified teachers in key subject areas.

The problem is so pronounced that many districts, including St. John, have thrown their support behind an effort by the Louisiana State Association of School Personnel Administrators to call upon the Governor and legislators to create a task force to address the shortage of certified teachers during the upcoming legislative session.

The Louisiana Department of Education has also recently launched its “Be a Teacher Campaign” in an effort to recruit the next generation of teachers.

Despite having salaries that are competitive in the region, St. John the Baptist Parish faces the same challenges. That’s why the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District will soon be implementing an innovative program to help get more teachers certified.

The program works like this: Uncertified teachers who would like to become certified apply for the program. Those who qualify and are chosen can become certified online in just one year.

The district foots the bill for the online classes but requires one thing in return – teachers must remain in the district and teach for at least three years after becoming certified.

The program is a win-win for the district and for educators – we get more certified teachers for our students and at the same time assist those who want a career in education, all while helping increase the number of certified teachers in the state.

The program will kick off this summer with its first cohort of 20 uncertified teachers.

The hope is that in addition to helping to support the teachers already in our classrooms attain their certification, the program will attract individuals to St. John the Baptist Parish who are truly committed to and who desire a lifelong career in education.

The program is one of many the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District is implementing to attract qualified teachers to the parish.

Our Human Resources Department has also recently implemented a referral program that rewards current employees for referring certified teachers to the district if they are hired and stay with the district the required time.

Having highly qualified teachers, who are not only experts in the subject matter they teach but also the general practice of teaching, are key to the success of our students and our district.

Certified teachers, or others, looking for employment with the district can always visit stjohn.tedk12.com/hire to view current openings or visit the Human Resources Department page on the district website at stjohn.k12.la.us to learn more about working for the district.

Jennifer Boquet is the communications specialist for St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. Email her at jboquet@stjohn.k12.la.us.