Louisiana Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Louisiana: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Louisiana guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Louisiana
NASET membership is one of the most practical investments a Louisiana special education teacher can make — and with 13% of the state’s students currently receiving services under IDEA, disability educators here carry significant responsibilities that demand ongoing professional support.
Louisiana certifies disability educators through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) using a tiered licensure structure. Candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an LDOE-approved educator preparation program, and pass the required Praxis exams for their certification area. Louisiana issues three certificate levels: Level 1 (3-year, for new teachers), Level 2 (5-year, after three years of experience and positive evaluations), and Level 3 (5-year, requiring a master’s degree).
Alternative pathways are available through programs such as Ready to Teach Louisiana for career-changers, including a Special Education Add-On Certification for already-certified teachers seeking to expand into this field.
Explore how Louisiana compares to other states: Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to almost 80 CTLE-eligible PD courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in Louisiana
Level 2 and Level 3 certificate holders must complete 150 clock hours (CLU) of professional development over each 5-year renewal period, along with at least three years of effective evaluation ratings. The employing school system initiates renewal through the Louisiana Educator Portal (LEP),teachers are responsible for maintaining their own CLU records.
Louisiana processes PD credit at the district level. NASET courses are eligible for submission to your district using AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014 as documentation of quality.
Become a NASET Member today save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education, which is the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!
Special Education Teacher Salary in Louisiana
Salary Overview
- Louisiana disability educators earn an average of approximately $52,000–$59,090 annually, depending on experience, district, and degree level.
- Entry-level positions typically start around $49,820, with top earners in urban districts such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge reaching significantly higher.
Job Market
- Special education is a designated teacher shortage area in Louisiana, creating consistent career advancement opportunities across all 64 parishes.
- Advancing to a Level 3 certificate via a master’s degree is one of the most direct paths to improved earning potential in the state.
IEPs in Louisiana
Louisiana follows federal IDEA requirements for all Individualized Education Programs. Once a student is identified as eligible under one of the recognized disability categories, the school must convene an IEP meeting and develop a plan that includes present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, specially designed instruction, related services, and placement in the least restrictive environment.
Understanding what every teacher needs to know about annual and triennial reviews is essential for staying compliant with Louisiana’s IEP timelines. NASET membership gives educators immediate access to completed sample IEPs and goal-writing resources that simplify the most time-consuming parts of the IEP process,from initial drafting to annual review documentation.
Educators can also browse NASET’s IEP samples from around the country to see how Louisiana’s approach compares to other states.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for Louisiana Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
- Louisiana Department of Education — Special Education
- LDOE Educator Certification & Licensure
- NASET IEP Samples from Around the Country
- NASET Completed Sample IEP (PDF)
- NASET Forms, Checklists & Procedures for Special Educators
- NASET Determining Measurable Annual Goals in an IEP
- What Every Special Educator Must Know (PDF)
- Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
Advance Your Career With NASET
NASET membership is the professional home for disability educators who want to grow — whether that means better IEP tools, stronger credentials, or a broader professional network.
The Membership gives you instant access to nearly 80 professional development courses, publications, IEP resources, and a job board — built exclusively for educators in this field. All courses are submittable to your Louisiana district for renewal credit using AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014.
The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) is the nationally recognized credential for career advancement in this field. Members receive 15% off all certifications.
Explore all NASET certifications and take your career to the next level NASET Certifications
