CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS
There are two tuition support programs available to Louisiana teachers who are interested in taking courses for college credit to continue their education.
BESE Tuition Program for Teachers
The BESE Tuition Program for Teachers is a competitive program that provides funding for selected teachers to enroll in courses at regionally accredited colleges or universities in Louisiana. Teachers selected into the program will have their tuition (excluding all other fees) for a single course paid directly to the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Certified and currently employed classroom teachers are eligible to apply. Awardees are granted funding for a course, but not guaranteed enrollment in the course. Participating teachers must meet all course requirements and follow the enrollment process of the participating college or university.
To address the need for teachers certified in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to meet the growing needs of Louisiana’s STEM-based industries, applications for courses in STEM fields will be prioritized.
Funding will be awarded as available. Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Apply to enroll in a STEM course;
- Teach one or more STEM classes;
- Seek teacher certification in a STEM-related field;
- Teach in a rural school system;
- Teach at a school labeled Comprehensive Intervention Required and/or Urgent Intervention Required; and/or
- Apply to enroll in a course that fits into a broader certification, higher degree or other professional development program.
Applications for Spring 2025 - NOW AVAILABLE
For the Spring 2025 funding cycle, the final deadline to submit completed applications is October 22, 2024. A signed and completed Employing Authority Approval Form must be uploaded within the full application prior to the application deadline.
For questions about the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers, consult the Frequently Asked Questions or contact LouisianaLeaders@la.gov.
Classroom Teacher Enrollment Program (CTEP)
The Classroom Teacher Enrollment Program (CTEP) is run by the Louisiana Board of Regents and allows teachers to enroll in courses with unused seats at colleges and universities after the drop/add period has concluded. The CTEP program goes into effect when funding for the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers is exhausted.
Visit the CTEP page on the Board of Regents’ website to learn more. For questions about CTEP, contact susannah.craig@regents.la.gov.
