Louisiana · Career guide
How to become a Science Teacher in Louisiana
Science teachers cover biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and (increasingly) integrated NGSS-aligned curricula. Like math, secondary science is on most state shortage lists — physics and chemistry endorsements especially. Lab management, safety certification, and inquiry-based instruction are core craft skills the role demands.
No science teaching positions are open in Louisiana right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Louisiana
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Louisiana typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
- edTPA — Performance assessment during student teaching
Science endorsements are often broken out (biology, chemistry, physics, integrated science). Each may require its own content exam.
- Apply for your initial license through Louisiana Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Louisiana Department of Education →
- Job-search in Louisiana. We'll track science teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Louisiana
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Louisiana offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Louisiana Alternate Certification (LAC): Earn certification while teaching, sponsored by a school system
- Teach For America (active in New Orleans and Baton Rouge)
- Louisiana Teacher Advancement Program
- Career and Technical Education certification
Louisiana salary context
Average teacher salary in Louisiana: $54,278/year (rank #39 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $36,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Louisiana salary guide for the breakdown.