SORRENTO – Students interested in the Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) program at River Parishes Community College have until Nov. 12 to sign up for the spring semester.

The AST degree, also known as the Louisiana Teach Next program, is part of a larger effort by the Louisiana Board of Regents to improve the state’s ability to meet the growing demand for elementary school teachers in first through fifth grades.

The AST comprises freshman and sophomore requirements for students who intend to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants meeting all admission requirements for acceptance into the program will fulfill 60 semester hours of required courses, conduct participation in field experiences at selected Ascension Parish schools, closely maintain an electronic portfolio of professional work and must pass two teacher licensure tests.

Those tests are the PRAXIS I (preprofessional skills test) and PRAXIS II (elementary education content knowledge).

For an application, visit www.1ouisianateachnext.org or contact Vavasseur at (225) 675-8270 or cvavasseur@rpcc.edu.

River Parishes Community College in Sorrento, La., is an open-admission, two-year, post-secondary public institution dedicated to developing and assisting students in achieving personal, professional and academic success.

A component of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system and its board of supervisors, RPCC serves the Louisiana river parishes by providing transferable courses and curricula through certificates and associate’s degrees.

Please visit www.rpcc.edu or call (225) 675-8270 for more information.