NEWS

Louisiana Tech University’s Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC) and Office of Professional Education Outreach (OPEO) have partnered to provide a solution to the state’s shortage of teachers.

Molly Rainwater

The partnership will also help provide customized support programming for local districts.

Project BASE (Building and Supporting Educators) is a model for new teachers in Claiborne Parish and provides in-person classroom support for first- through third-year teachers and teachers new to Claiborne Parish Schools.

Louisiana Tech’s Molly Rainwater spends her workday assisting teachers, administrators, and students as a part of Project BASE.

“I enjoy having a front-row seat to see all of the wins my teachers are getting, whether it’s excelling in classroom management or seeing soaring test scores,” Rainwater said. “Each month I hold a professional development meeting, where we focus on ideas and content that is relevant to what is currently seen in classrooms today. This academic year, we have had professional development on lesson planning, classroom management, IEPs and accommodations.”

Claiborne Parish Superintendent William Kennedy helped co-construct the support program to assist his faculty, staff and students.

William Kennedy

“I believe the work Mrs. Rainwater is doing in our district is critical,” Kennedy said. “We have a multitude of talented educators and we want to keep them. We want to give them support through their first several years with us, whether they are new to teaching or just new to the district.”

Similar services began in West Carroll Parish Schools in 2022 in coordination with Superintendent Christy Boyte.

Associate Dean Dr. Lindsey Keith-Vincent said the partnership benefits Louisiana Tech as well.

“better understanding the needs of the educators in our partner districts, we are able to provide customized extension and continuing education course opportunities through the Office of Professional Education Outreach,” Keith-Vincent said. “We are able to maintain constant and critical communication with a stakeholder group we are committed to supporting and serving.”

To learn more about Project BASE, email mhill@latech.edu or lbkv@latech.edu.