The Louisiana Department of Education is streamlining the certification application process for educators, emphasizing the importance of background checks and fingerprinting. During a recent meeting, officials highlighted that candidates without a criminal background check or clear credential will face restrictions when attempting to access certification applications. They will only see a notification indicating that fingerprint clearance is required before proceeding.

This new system aims to alleviate the burden on human resources and provider offices, which have been overwhelmed with pre-application checks since January. By notifying candidates upfront about the need for fingerprinting, the Department hopes to reduce the number of incomplete applications that must be returned for processing.

The application process has also been simplified. Candidates will now input their personal information, which will be automatically pulled from their Louisiana educator profile, including verified email addresses and Social Security numbers. This automation is expected to minimize errors, such as typos in Social Security numbers, which have previously caused delays.

Additionally, candidates will upload their Social Security cards and driver's licenses directly to their applications, eliminating the need for providers to collect these documents. The new online system allows candidates to navigate through forms more easily, with features that enable them to check off completed sections and return to make changes if necessary.

Importantly, program provider applications will remain hidden from candidates until their providers confirm they are ready to apply. This ensures that only qualified candidates can access the necessary applications at the appropriate time in their training programs.

Overall, these changes are designed to streamline the certification process, enhance efficiency, and improve communication between candidates and providers, ultimately supporting the state's goal of fostering a well-prepared educator workforce.