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LRCE Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in learning more about LRCE? 

Note: This information applies to Louisiana BLS candidates only.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why am I in this course?

As a means to better accommodate our candidates who do not meet the academic or Praxis requirements to enter into the BAGE Clinical Residency Year, Reach has partnered with LRCE (Louisiana candidates only) to offer candidates an opportunity to work towards teacher licensure, at a discounted rate.

Candidate Benefits

  • Guaranteed admission if candidates meet the requirements 
  • The program can be completed in 12 months (instead of 18) when candidates complete the 6 credits of OTM 330 at Reach
  • Reduced tuition rates through Fall 2029: candidates pay $900 total to complete LRCE. 

Please note, that although Reach may encourage candidates to consider LRCE because of our established partnership, candidates are free to choose any alternative certification program to complete the necessary requirements to obtain teacher licensure.

2. What is the length of LRCE?

The length of LRCE depends on your certification pathway (general education or special education), but the structure is similar:

Phase 1 = Course work (OTM 330)

  • You’ll complete most or all of your required coursework during your semester(s) at Reach.
  • Some content-specific courses may extend a few weeks past the end of the semester to prepare you for Coaching.

Phase 2 = Coaching (Similar to Residency) 

After completing coursework, you’ll move into Coaching, which lasts 12 months.

To begin Coaching, candidates must:

  • ✅ Pass the required Praxis content exam(s)
  • ✅ Secure a lead teacher of record position in your certification area

What Coaching Looks Like:

  • Coaching lasts 12 months while you are teaching full-time under a Practitioner’s License in your certification area.
  • During Coaching, you’ll work with your assigned LRCE instructional coach and receive school-based mentoring and work toward meeting all proficiency and testing requirements.

👉 In summary: Coursework takes place during your time at Reach (with some additional courses depending on pathway), followed by 12 months of Coaching once you’re teaching under a Practitioner’s License.

3. What is the cost of LRCE?

While you are enrolled in the LRCE Methods course during your semester(s) at Reach, you will pay your regular Reach tuition $75/month. (no additional fees)

After graduation, when you begin Coaching (your Practitioner’s License teaching year), you will pay LRCE $75 per month. Coaching lasts 12 months, so the total cost is $900.

Discounted Rate for Reach Candidates:

  • General Education candidates save $3,850.

  • Dual Certification candidates save $4,350.

Thanks to the Reach–LRCE partnership, your only additional cost is $900 total, spread out over your Coaching year.

4. What if my district pays for this? Who do I notify?

Each school district has its own process for covering candidate fees:

  • Some districts reimburse candidates after they provide proof of payment.
  • Others pay fees directly to LRCE on behalf of the candidate.

👉 Candidates should check with their HR department to confirm how their district handles program fees and what steps to take.

5. What are the benefits of enrolling in LRCE methods course?

Benefit #1: A Shorter Pathway to Certification

  • With LRCE, most of your certification coursework will be finished before you graduate from Reach.
    • Content-specific coursework may extend a few weeks after the last day of Reach classes.
    • Those seeking special education certification will complete their special education coursework after graduation in a single semester or less depending on the cohort.
  • After coursework and when you’re eligible for a Practitioner’s License (PL), you’ll move directly into Coaching—your Practitioner’s License (PL) teaching year, where you’ll work as a teacher of record, receive school-based mentoring, and meet all proficiency and testing requirements.

✨ The advantage? You won’t have to start a new certification program from scratch after graduation.

If you choose another alternative certification program:

  • Your Reach/LRCE coursework won’t transfer.
  • You would likely have to repeat all required coursework after graduation, delaying your certification timeline.

Benefit #2: Affordable Program Fees

  • Through the Reach–LRCE partnership, you’ll continue paying only $75/month during your PL teaching year.

  • Total cost = $900. That’s a savings of $3,850 for General Education or $4,350 for Dual Certification compared to standard costs.

If you choose another alternative certification program:

  • You’d be responsible for the full program fees (if not district-sponsored).

  • The lowest cost non-district option is $4,000.

Benefit #3: High-Quality Support

  • LRCE is aligned with best teaching practices and has a strong track record: 96% of LRCE teachers were rated Effective or Highly Effective in the last LDOE review, based on LEAP student performance.

  • You’ll receive personalized coaching, extensive feedback, and one-on-one support throughout coursework and your PL year.

👉 Choosing LRCE means saving time, saving money, and getting high-quality coaching that sets you up for success as a classroom teacher.

6. What are the alternatives to this course?

Candidates who want to opt out of the LRCE methods course have a few options:

  • Candidates who opt out of LRCE can take alternate courses such as OTM 323 and DEP 303b.
  • Upon graduation from Reach, candidates seeking teaching certification will need to explore other alternative certification programs to meet state licensure requirements.

7. How is this course/program structured?

While enrolled at Reach, all candidates complete the following LRCE Coursework requirements for general education certification-- 

  • Foundations
  • Classroom Environment 
  • Planning & Instruction(content-specific). 

Special Education Certification Pathway

  • In addition to general education coursework, candidates who want Special Education certification (Mild/Moderate) must complete extra coursework.
  • This special education coursework starts at the next entry point after general education coursework is complete.
  • Because of this, candidates usually complete the special education coursework after graduation.

How the Coursework Works

All coursework follows the same learning cycle:

  • Prework – Learn the background knowledge and big picture of the topic.
    • Why it matters
    • How it connects to other topics
  • Analysis & Application – Begin analyzing the topic at the end of prework and in the live session.
    • Modify lessons or tasks based on what you’re learning
  • Rehearsal – Practice the new skill in the live session and in postwork.
  • Enactment (Coaching Year) – Apply the skills in your own classroom with support from your coach.
    • Everything builds on each other, just like you’ll layer learning for your own students.

Tip: It’s very important to complete the prework before each live session to get the most out of the cycle.

8. Can I opt out if my district provides an alt cert program?

When is the deadline to opt out and who do I contact?

  • Fall 8/8/25, Spring TBD
  • Reach out to your dedicated advisor to opt out of LRCE.