Southeastern NEWS
                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                               SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504-549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
                                           
    Date: 7/23/01
      Contact:                           Rene Abadie       (25)  

TEACHING CERTIFICATION CAN BE EARNED VIA INTERNET
     HAMMOND    Elementary and high school teachers seeking certification in
mild/moderate special education can now earn that certificate via the Internet in a program
offered by Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
     Through a special education alternative certification program, individuals who are currently
teaching in a state-approved school in any state can complete all course requirements for the
certification on-line. Participants must also go through a one-year supervised internship
following completion of the courses. Successful completion of the program leads to a State of
Louisiana Type C teacher's certificate, which may qualify for a similar certificate in other states.
The course work can also be applied toward Southeastern's master of education degree in special
education.
      "This program allows us to develop flexible scheduling and individualized instruction to help
teachers in any state complete course work requirements for certification in special education,"
said Martha Head, interim dean of Southeastern's College of Education and Human
Development. "Because the course work is taken via the Internet, teachers can meet these
requirements any time and any place."
     Southeastern's teacher education program is one of the largest in the state of Louisiana and
recently got a significant financial boost through a $1.8 million allocation from the U.S.
Department of Education. The funds have enabled the university to enhance and expand its
program.
     "The nation as a whole and most states are starting to experience a serious shortage of
certified teachers, especially in areas such as special education," Head said. "Creative approaches
such as this are essential to reversing this shortage."
     Additional information on the program, including eligibility and technology requirements and
the admission procedures are available from Southeastern at 985-549-2311 or by visiting the
university's website, <"http://www.selu.edu">www.selu.edu.
     Southeastern Louisiana University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university's Teacher Education Program is
fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsm01.htm