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  • EMBARK Aspiring Educators

    EMBARK Aspiring Educators - JEFFERSON PARISH GROWN EMBARK Aspiring Educators is a one-year post-baccalaureate, practitioner-based program that seeks to recruit, develop, certify, support, and retain the next generation of effective educators committed to socially and culturally diverse instructional experiences, growth, and achievement for the students of Jefferson Parish Schools. Come EMBARK on your journey with us!

    Minimum Requirements:
    (must meet all requirements to be accepted into the program)

      • Uncertified
      • Possess a 4-year degree in a non-education major
      • Will be the teacher of record in a classroom in the area in which you are certifying during your residency year (Fall-Spring) after acceptance into a cohort
      • Seeking Certification in one of the following Areas:
        • Mild to Moderate 1-5, 4-8, or 6-12
        • ELEM. 1-5
        • Middle School 4-8 ELA, Science, Math, or Social Studies
        • Secondary 6-12 ELA, Science, Math, or SS; Biology
      • Possess passing Praxis II (content) scores in the area they intend to teach and certify for the 2024-2025 academic year (the residency year)--passing scores will be required to be accepted (acceptances will occur in late February 2024)

    Why EMBARK?

    The EMBARK Aspiring Educator program has many unique characteristics such as:

    • No out-of-pocket cost for program participants except applying for certifications (licensure) and Praxis (some eligible for reimbursement)
    • Opportunity to dual certify
    • Pre-Residency Spring coursework, Summer coursework, and field experience to prepare you for Day 1 in the classroom,
    • Coursework and PD designed by content experts and teacher leaders in the district that is specific to the research-based pedagogical practices and curricula you will use every day
    • Dedicated EMBARK Aspiring Educator program staff in JPS to support programmatic and certification needs
    • Certified mentors that receive extensive, ongoing training above the state-required minimum; timely and actionable feedback to grow from school and district-based supports

     

    If interested in being considered for admission to the EMBARK Aspiring Educators, please fill out the 2024-2025 EMBARK Aspiring Educators Application (Link will be added on Oct 1)

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What are the requirements to be an EMBARK Aspiring Educator (EAE)?
    A: Information on minimum requirements can be found by visiting the Jefferson Parish School's website link found here. You must have a 4-year non-education degree and a passing Praxis II score in the content area you plan to certify (must be attained before accepting a spot) in the area you intend to teach and certify during the program.

    Q: How do I apply for the EMBARK Aspiring Educators program?
    A: Applications for the EMBARK Aspiring Educators are open for submission once a year. Submissions for the 2024-2025 cohort are being accepted beginning October 1, 2024.  Application can be found at the bottom of the page found here after the window for submissions opens.

    Q: If meet all the requirements, am I guaranteed a spot in the EMBARK Aspiring Educators?
    A: No, the EAE is a selective-admissions program that commits to creating diversified cohorts of educators that reflect the ethnic/population of our school system while also committing to meeting the highest needs of our school system (subject area, school-type, etc.). There are a number of factors considered.

    Q: What is the process after I have applied to the EMBARK Aspiring Educators?
    A: Applications are vetted in December of each year (Early bird applications will be vetted earlier). Interviews and tasks are performed in January and final decisions are made in February. Candidates will know of acceptance by the end of February to allow time to still enroll in another program if not accepted to EMBARK.

    Q: Is the EMBARK Aspiring Educators (EAE) program a degree-seeking program?
    A:     No, those joining the EMBARK Aspiring Educator program are certification-seeking educators. There is no credit toward an advanced degree.

    Q: Is the EMBARK Aspiring Educators program an accredited program?
    A:     Yes, the EAE program was approved to offer specific certification tracks by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and abides by all policies.

    Q: I have taken classes in another program. Am I eligible to apply?
    A: It depends. If you have not applied and accepted tuition reimbursement funds from JPS, you may be eligible. If you have accepted tuition reimbursement, you are NOT eligible.

    Q: What is the cost of the EMBARK Aspiring Educator program?
    A: The cost of the program is free to candidates.  Candidates agree to a service agreement of three years past program completion in lieu of tuition.  The only out-of-pocket cost for candidates is for Praxis exams (some eligible for reimbursement) and certification costs.