Feb. 3, 2003
For Immediate Release
To: News Directors and News Editor
From: Veronika Avery, Coordinator of Media Relations, 342-5444

The University of Louisiana at Monroe announces the launching of TeachNortheast, a new initiative to attract professionals to the field of teaching as a second career. The goal is to fill 75 teaching positions at public schools in northeast Louisiana for Fall 2003.

The application deadline is April 1, 2003. Informational events are scheduled throughout February and March at various local sites. Two events are set for February. The first one will be on Monday, February 10th, The next date is scheduled for Tuesday,
February 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the University Library, seventh floor, Seminar Room one. More Details can be found at http://www.ulm.edu/teach or through the information line at (318) 342-3000.

TeachNortheast is an innovative approach to improve student achievement by recruiting and training highly talented individuals who have well-rounded backgrounds, the ability to thrive and to overcome challenges, and a relentless drive to achieve results. Although a Bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 grade point average is a prerequisite, no previous education coursework is required.

Selected program participants will undergo intensive training and will ultimately earn a Louisiana teaching certification. Participants will also have access to a network of ongoing support and professional development resources to help them succeed in raising student achievement in the classroom.

TeachNortheast is supported by a Board of Regents grant that is funding the partnership between ULM and The New Teacher Project, a non-profit consulting firm that works with school districts, states, and other educational entities to enhance their capacity to recruit and select outstanding new teachers.

For more information contact: Dawn Landry at landry@ulm.edu and (318)-342-1273.