Louisiana Department of Education Aspiring Educator Summer Academy
July 13th - 17th, 2026
Eligibility | How to Register | Possible Seminar Topics | Night Life Activities | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us
The Louisiana Aspiring Educator Summer Academy is a one-of-a-kind, five-day hybrid of a summer camp and a professional learning experience for high school students enrolled in the Louisiana Pre-Educator Pathway or other coursework aimed at attracting and developing future Louisiana educators.
Hosted by the Louisiana Department of Education and staffed by a team of advisors and coaches from around the state, the Aspiring Educator Summer Academy will bring together 100 aspiring educators from around the state for a high-energy, professional leadership experience that propels them on their pathway to becoming highly effective, educators in our state.
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Students
- Up to 100 Aspiring Educators from around the state. You must currently be involved in a pre-educator pathway course or are registered for a course for the upcoming year.
Staff
- 20 college coaches: Aspiring Educators from around the state enrolled in a teacher preparation program, including those who may graduate Spring 2026.
- 10 advisors: current classroom teachers, professors or other practicing educators.
How to Register
Participants
- Students can self nominate or be nominated by a Pre-Educator Pathway Teacher or System Leader.
- All students will be required to obtain a teacher recommendation upon acceptance into the academy.
- Teacher Leaders, please ensure students you nominate are aware you are nominating them.
- Aspiring Educators from around the state enrolled in a Teacher Preparation Program, including those graduating spring 2026 may apply for coaching staff.
- Teaching Professionals with teacher of record experience for 1 or more years are eligible for advising staff.
- All staffing positions are paid.
| Professionalism | Classroom Environment |
| Building Relationships with Students | Facilitating Learning |
| Making a Difference | Building Community within the School and Stakeholders |
| Responsive Teaching | Using AI Responsibly |
| Educational Technology | Communication |
| Literacy | Active Learning Strategies |
| Movement in the Classroom | Partnering with Parents for Student Success |
Night Life Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
- Inform your Pre-Educator Pathway Teacher or Pre-Educator Club Sponsor about your interest in attending.
- Complete the interest form.
- Teacher leaders should share the opportunity with strong aspiring educator candidates that possess the characteristics described above.
- System leads can use the application to register one participant and up to five alternates from each high school that offers Pre-Educator Pathway coursework. After submitting the nomination form, systems will be responsible for ensuring aspiring educators, parents/guardians, and teacher leaders remain informed of next steps.
- In addition to registering one student per high school, each school that offers the Louisiana Pre-Educator Pathway will have the opportunity to nominate up to five alternates to be considered for the remaining Academy spots.
- The Summer Academy team will review the applications for all alternates submitted by school systems through the nomination form.
- School system leads, teacher leaders, and alternatives will receive an email with next steps as alternates are selected to attend.
- Coaches - College students that are currently enrolled or recently graduated in a Louisiana teacher preparation program and/or college/university or with a demonstrated interest and skill in mentorship, service, and leadership will be considered to serve as coaches.
- Advisors - Currently practicing exemplary educators with a specific interest and demonstrated skills in teaching, teacher mentorship, and aspiring teacher development will serve as advisors during the academy.
- For more details related to being considered for academy staff, refer to the 2025 Louisiana Summer Academy Staffing Description. The application for both can be found here.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes/Tennis Shoes
- 5-7 Casual Summer Outfits for day and night events (T-shirts, appropriate length
shorts, etc.)
- T-shirts will be provided/worn Tuesday-Friday while working with children’s camps
- A light jacket or sweatshirt for classrooms
- Pajamas, sleeping clothes, slippers
- Swimsuit/Beach Towel
- Bedding for Twin XL mattress, including pillow, sheets and blanket
- Phone charger
- Personal toiletries
- Washcloths and towels (enough for 4 nights)
- Shower shoes/rubber flip flops
Contact Us
Eugene Kennedy, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Programs & Institutional Effectiveness
ekennedy@lsu.edu