Thinking of Becoming A Teacher?

Get a glimpse into the education profession and try out teaching
first-hand through the STAR Academy.

Reasons to Enroll in STAR Academy Courses

Explore Teaching as a Career Get Experience in Community Schools Earn Articulated College Credit Earn Industry-Based Certification	Receive a Diploma Endorsement Develop Leadership Skills Work with Children Learn More About Yourself
Earn Dual Enrollment College Credit (Participating Schools)

About STAR Academy

The STAR Academy provides high school juniors and/or seniors an opportunity to learn about teaching as a career through one-credit courses offered at their high school. The courses give students a glimpse into the teaching profession and provide an opportunity for hands-on experience in classrooms. Students are provided the means and guidance for self-assessment, learning about others, and diversity in the classroom. Students learn about the history and foundations of education and are given the tools to help pursue a career in education.

Pre-Requisites

There are no course requirements prior to enrolling in the STAR Program. However, students applying to participate in the STAR Program must:

Be a junior or senior in high school

Have a GPA/GPR of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. In the case of an applicant whose GPA closely approximates 2.5 and who meets all other requirements, a STAR Review Panel may recommend acceptance based upon consideration of the student’s application.

Submit a completed application packet, including parent/guardian approval, three teacher recommendations, and an essay explaining the reason for choosing to participate in the program

Contacts

For more information, ask your guidance counselor, or contact the STAR Coordinator or School to Work Coordinator at your school.

Covington High School

STAR Coordinator:
Mrs. Marilynn Hawkins

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Cindy Dutsch

Fontainebleau High School

STAR Coordinator:
Mrs. Karen Mathews

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Devi Theriot

Lakeshore High School

STAR Coordinator:
Mrs. Marilynn Hawkins (Via Video Conferencing)

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Jennifer Sheets

Mandeville High School

STAR Coordinator:
Mrs. Deborah Tonguis

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Marguerite Dietrich

Northshore High School

STAR Coordinator:
Mrs. Tracy Fatta

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Lynn Rauenhorst

Pearl River High School

STAR Coordinator:
Mrs. Elaine Prewitt

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Elaine Prewitt

Salmen High School

STAR Coordinator:

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Linda Skinner

Slidell High School

Click here for video

STAR Coordinator:
Dr. Mercedes Schneider

School to Work Coordinator:
Mrs. Christy Wiebelt

STAR - Students Teaching and Reaching

What exactly is the STAR Program?

The STAR Program provides high school juniors and/or seniors an opportunity to learn about teaching as a career through one-credit courses offered at their high school. The Louisiana Department of Education has developed a curriculum that not only gives students a glimpse into the teaching profession but also, under the proper guidelines, can be used for college credit in the field of education. STAR I and now STAR II have both been approved and are being taught in approximately 50 high schools across the state.

How do I know it’s the right choice for me?

If you are a high school junior or senior who is interested in pursuing teaching as a career path, the STAR Program is the right choice for you. Some high school students may discover that education is not the career for them. On the other hand, some high school students who never considered teaching as a career option may realize the rewards the profession brings and decide to pursue a degree in education.

What financial resources are available to me as a participant in the STAR Program?

The STAR Program is offered in public schools at no charge, although costs for project supplies may be necessary.

What are the prerequisites of the STAR Program?

There are no course requirements prior to enrolling in the STAR Program. However, students applying to participate in the STAR Program must:

Be a junior or senior in high school
Have a GPA/GPR of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. In the case of an applicant whose GPA closely approximates 2.5 and who meets all other requirements, a STAR Review Panel may recommend acceptance based upon consideration of the student’s application.
Submit a completed application packet, including
- parent/guardian approval,
- three teacher recommendations, and
- an essay explaining the reason for choosing to participate in the program
Participate in an interview with the STAR Review Panel.

Where can I learn more about the STAR Program?

You can check with your local high school principal or guidance counselor.