The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of two state universities that will guide teacher preparation research in the state.
UL Lafayette and LSU have each been awarded a $25,000 grant by the state’s Department of Education to lead the Louisiana Educator Research Consortium for five years.
In January, the two institutions will direct research, seek grants and offer advice on education-related policies. It will include members of teacher preparation programs from across the state.
"This innovative and pioneering consortium will serve as a hub for research on teacher preparation methods and policies," said state Superintendent of Education John White.
The Louisiana Educator Research Consortium is being established after a directive from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in October.
Dr. Joseph C. Rallo, state commissioner of higher education, said he looks forward to working with the consortium “to continue Louisiana's leadership role in elevating the preparation of our educators (and) ensuring the success of our students."
UL Lafayette and LSU were chosen after a review process by a committee of representatives from the Department of Education, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Louisiana Association for Career and Technical Education.
Dr. Peter Sheppard, head of UL Lafayette’s Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, said the consortium will provide “a scholarly premise to policies associated with preparation of teachers.”
This news comes as the UL Lafayette College of Education plans to relaunch a lab school at the University. The project was approved by University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors earlier this year.
In addition to an innovative learning environment for students, the new lab school will provide a hub for teaching practices, theory and research.
Learn more about state teacher preparation at the Louisiana Department of Education website.
Learn more about UL Lafayette’s proposed lab school in the digital edition of La Louisiane, the University magazine.