Southeastern remains sole IB certification university in the Gulf South for teachers
Friday, February 5, 2021
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University remains the only university in the
Gulf South authorized to offer courses leading to the International Baccalaureate
(IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning, according to the latest directory
released by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Southeastern is one of only 50 IB authorized certification institutions in the
United States. The certification, which is granted by the IBO, prepares teachers to
use advanced academic techniques in the growing number of IB schools. IB programs
offer students in elementary through high school a comprehensive, demanding curriculum
of advanced studies for highly motivated students.
“It’s such an honor to know that Southeastern is in this elite number of universities
offering the International Baccalaureate Educator Certificate,” said Paula Summers
Calderon, dean of the College of Education. “As the only accredited university in
the Gulf South approved to offer the IBEC, Southeastern has earned a stellar reputation.”
Calderon said Cherissa Vitter, IB coordinator for the university’s Department
of Teaching and Learning, has worked hard to recruit both pre-service and in-service
teachers to seek certification in international education.
“Her students hail from all over the world and range from undergraduate students
to students who already hold doctorates,” she said. “In the IBEC program, teachers
learn best practices for all content areas and grade levels regardless of whether
the teachers teach in an IB school.”
“IB Programs are inquiry based and teach students how to learn,” Vitter explained.
“The curriculum is world-wide and teachers must attend IB sanctioned training to teach
IB courses at an IB World School. This training is standardized across the globe.”
There are currently 21 IB programs in Louisiana encompassing ages 3-19. All IB
programs are represented, which include: Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program,
Diploma Program, and the Career-related program.
The IB program started in 1968 as a diploma program in the United Kingdom, France
and the United States as educators looked to develop an academically challenging program
to prepare students for success at the university level and beyond. IB programs are
now offered worldwide at schools that meet the rigorous IB standards.
Southeastern is a recognized university to offer courses leading to the IB Educator
Certificate in Teaching and Learning: Primary Years Program and Diploma Program. The
program at Southeastern has verified the course completion for candidates in over
nine countries, including the United States.
“It is quite incredible to reflect upon the fact that teachers in China and India
are able to teach at IB World Schools because of their courses from Southeastern,”
Vitter said.
In addition to gaining knowledge of the IB programs, holding an IB educator certificate
means the candidates have exceeded IB professional development requirements for program
authorization and evaluation purposes.
The entire program is two semesters online. After two semesters, candidates will
receive a Certificate of Course Completion from Southeastern and the IB Educator Certificate
in Teaching and Learning from the International Baccalaureate Organization. Candidates
may also pursue a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, International
Baccalaureate Education with additional courses.
For more information on the certification program, contact Vitter via email at
cherissa.vitter@southeastern.edu or call 985-549-5248.
