The recipient entity's physical address:
           7907 Wrenwood Blvd Suite B, Baton Rouge LA 70809

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           7907 Wrenwood Blvd Suite B, Baton Rouge LA 70809

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          Blanche Hamilton
Virginia Gough
Carolyn Sauer
Fred M. Smith
Polly Broussard
Della Bennett

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  7295

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $750,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Keith Courville PO Box 33 Livonia Louisiana 70755
Amanda Tingle 260 Ramsey Drive Stonewall Louisiana 71078
Cathy Smith 3311 Kirkpatrick Dr. Jennings Louisiana 70546
Alvester Barfield 281 Morgan Bayou Rd Coushatta Louisiana 71019
Sonya Arender 196 Company Farm Rd. Baskin Louisiana 71219
Jean Taraba P O Box 367 Swartz Louisiana 71281
Timmy Jones 414 E 9th Street Crowley Louisiana 70526
Christen DeRise 408 Bayard St. New Iberia Louisiana 70560
Emily Brown 1021 La Maison Rd Duson Louisiana 70529
Josephine Baris 201 Lauren Grace Cir Sterlington Louisiana 71280
April Dunnehoo 87 Dunnehoo Rd. Reeves Louisiana 70658
Earmer Jackson 130 Ray Street Baton Rouge Louisiana 70806
Desiree Alexander 13951 Bellacosa Ave. Baton Rouge Louisiana 70817
Lenette Hawk-Hill PO BOX 582 Jeanerette Louisiana 70544
Hennessy Melancon 252 Old Safari Heights Cut Off Louisiana 70345
Michelle Perkins 4432 Copernicus St New Orleans Louisiana 70131
Sheila Collins 4500 Government Street 66271 Baton Rouge Louisiana 70806
Melissa Ward 115 Jo Ann Lane Minden Louisiana 71055
Torrence Williams 20051 Old Scenic Hwy, Apt. 606 Zachary Louisiana 70791
Debra Savoie 105 Rue Centre Abbeville Louisiana 70510
Ashleigh Pelafigue 2205 Illinois Ave Kenner LA 70062

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Ready to Teach Louisiana: Investing in Our Students' Future
Louisiana's students deserve the best. But right now, many classrooms lack qualified, certified teachers in core academic subjects. This isn't just a statistic – it impacts our children's learning and future opportunities.
Ready to Teach Louisiana is a new teacher certification program tackling this challenge head-on. We're not just another teacher prep program. We're laser-focused on what Louisiana schools need most: highly effective educators in Math, Science, English (ELA), and Social Studies.

Here's why Ready to Teach Louisiana is different:

Data-Driven Design: We analyzed data from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), including the 2021-2022 Workforce Snapshot and LouisianaTeacherPrep.com. This data shows a critical shortage of certified teachers in core academic subjects, particularly in schools with lower performance scores.

Focus on High-Need Areas: We prioritize coursework, mentorship, and financial incentives in Math, Science, ELA, and Social Studies. These are the subjects where Louisiana students need strong, qualified teachers the most.
Addressing the Subject Gap: While Elementary Education is important, Louisiana schools need more teachers certified in other crucial areas. Ready to Teach Louisiana helps close this gap.

Scholarship Opportunities: We understand the financial challenges of becoming a teacher. That's why we offer competitive scholarships funded by our internal foundation and operating revenue. These scholarships are specifically designed to support aspiring teachers in high-need subject areas.

The Problem in Louisiana Schools:
Uncertified Teachers: Across the state, the percentage of uncertified teachers is high, reaching a staggering 23% in "F" rated schools. This means many students are not receiving instruction from qualified educators in core subjects.

Out-of-Field Teaching: One out of five certified teachers in Louisiana is teaching a subject they weren't trained for. This can put students at a disadvantage, especially in subjects like Math and Science where strong content knowledge is essential.

Subject Shortages: While Elementary Education certifications are plentiful, there's a significant shortage of qualified teachers in Math, Science, ELA, and Social Studies. This trend leaves many Louisiana students without the specialized instruction they need to succeed.

Our Solution: Targeted Teacher Preparation
Ready to Teach Louisiana is committed to changing this narrative. Here's how:
High-Need Subject Focus: We prioritize Math, Science, ELA, and Social Studies through rigorous coursework, dedicated mentors with experience in these subjects, and financial incentives to attract talented individuals.
School Partnerships: We work directly with Louisiana school districts to understand their specific needs and ensure our program graduates are prepared to hit the ground running.

Streamlined Certification: Our program is designed to be efficient and effective, providing a clear path to teacher certification in Louisiana.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $375,000
          Professional Services. . . $375,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Not Applicable

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Imagine classrooms across Louisiana buzzing with engaged students, guided by qualified, passionate teachers. This is the dream the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL) strives to realize with their innovative program, Ready to Teach Louisiana. However, a critical teacher shortage threatens this vision.

Research is clear: certified teachers make a difference. They boast stronger subject matter knowledge, utilize effective learning strategies, and dedicate themselves to the profession for longer terms. This stability creates an environment where students flourish. But in Louisiana, filling classrooms with certified educators is a constant battle.

Ready to Teach Louisiana offers a two-pronged attack. It actively recruits passionate individuals, even those without traditional teaching backgrounds. A+PEL recognizes the wealth of talent outside education and provides pathways for them to join the classroom. However, the crucial second step – certification – can be a daunting obstacle. Completing coursework, passing exams, and fingerprinting can delay a dedicated teacher's entry into the classroom.

Here's where public funding becomes paramount. With additional resources, Ready to Teach Louisiana can significantly reduce these barriers. Imagine streamlining the certification process, providing targeted training, and offering financial support to aspiring educators. These measures, fueled by public investment, can unlock a wave of qualified teachers ready to serve Louisiana's youth.

The program's early success speaks volumes. A+PEL is experiencing a surge in applications, highlighting the desperate need for more certified educators. But without additional public funding, A+PEL's ability to meet this demand is crippled. This is not just about filling seats; it's about ensuring quality education for every child in Louisiana.

Investing in Ready to Teach Louisiana is more than just funding a program; it's an investment in the future. By empowering aspiring teachers with the resources they need to become certified, public monies can unlock Louisiana's educational potential. This program can build a robust teaching force, leading to vibrant classrooms and brighter futures for generations of students.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Ready to Teach Louisiana: Goals and Objectives
Goal: To address the teacher shortage in Louisiana by increasing the number of qualified, certified educators in the state.
Objectives:
Recruitment: Expand the pool of potential teachers by attracting individuals with a passion for education, regardless of traditional teaching background.
Certification Support: Minimize barriers to entry by providing guidance, resources, and potential financial assistance to navigate the teacher certification process.
Streamlined Certification: Work with relevant authorities to explore streamlining the certification process, allowing aspiring educators to enter the classroom faster.
Quality Education for All: Equip classrooms with highly qualified, certified teachers who can deliver effective instruction and support long-term student success.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           1 year

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/A
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/A

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/A

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/A

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/A

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/A

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/A

          What is the nature of the relationship?  N/A

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 N/A

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               N/A


Contact Information
name:  Dr. Keith Courville 
                                       address:  PO Box 33 Livonia LA, 70755
                                       phone:  2255714822
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  keith@apeleducators.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director