MONROE, LA - Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) is officially the #1 producer of future teachers in Louisiana, leading the state in graduates earning the Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degree — the critical first step toward becoming a certified classroom teacher.
According to new statewide data from the Louisiana Board of Regents, LDCC accounts for 38.5% of all AST graduates statewide, more than any other community college in Louisiana. Through high retention, strong advising, and multiple pathways designed to meet students where they are, LDCC’s Teacher Pathways are redefining how to recruit, train, and retain aspiring teachers.
“We’re growing future teachers from the community, for the community,” said Program Director Ashley Ellis. “Our pathways are flexible, and provide supported entry points into the teaching profession.”
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A “Grow Your Own” Success Story
Through partnerships with school districts across Monroe City, Union, Lincoln, Richland, Morehouse, Franklin, Caldwell, East Carroll, and West Carroll Parishes, LDCC connects aspiring educators with real classroom experience, high-touch academic support, and structured mentorship.
The results are transformative:
● #1 in program completers - 38.5% of all completers in the state are from LDCC
● #1 in graduation rate in the state - double the statewide average
● Strong transfer pipeline to the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM)
The introduction of the Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP) remains one of LDCC’s most innovative models — with a 75% retention rate across multiple cohorts and 100% job placement.
Caldwell Parish Schools Superintendent Nicki McCann explains, “LDCC has given us a way to grow our own educators who understand the unique needs of our students and our community. This partnership is a model for how schools, colleges, and universities can work together to transform education.”
Program graduate Gabrielle Butler, West Carroll schools, also shares, “This program created a path to teaching I never thought possible. Rural communities are the heartbeat of this country, and pathways like these ensure every child has access to dedicated, high-quality educators.”
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A Statewide Model for Impact
Louisiana continues to face a critical teacher shortage, and LDCC has emerged as a statewide leader in practical, scalable solutions.
LDCC’s Teacher Pathways blend coursework flexibility, supportive cohort model, high-touch mentor support, community and school district partnerships, and a strong transfer and completion pipeline to the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM).
Through our teacher pathways — including the teacher apprenticeship — LDCC ensures students can pursue a teaching degree while balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities.
“This program is a model for the state,” said Dr. Justin Hoggard, Chancellor of Louisiana Delta Community College. “We are building a sustainable pipeline of teachers who will serve our local schools for years to come. LDCC’s success at producing teacher candidates is truly changing lives and the future of education in Louisiana.”
“We’re not just preparing teachers — we’re transforming the pathway into teaching,” Ellis added. “Our graduates are staying in the region, investing their talents back into the schools and communities that shaped them.”