Founding Newsletter | May 2026

Welcome to the New LAFE!

The Louisiana Association of Future Educators (LAFE) is excited to officially launch our new website and statewide membership opportunities for aspiring educators across Louisiana!

The Louisiana Association of Future Educators (LAFE) exists to inspire, support, and develop Louisiana’s future educators by pulling together a variety of resources and opportunities in one place.

LAFE connects aspiring educators with opportunities to:

• Explore careers in education

• Develop leadership and professional skills

• Participate in conferences and competitions

• Connect with current educators and mentors

• Access resources for college, scholarships, and certification pathways

• Build a statewide community of future teachers committed to serving Louisiana students

By creating stronger connections between schools, teacher leaders, colleges, and education partners, LAFE is committed to bringing together all opportunities, events, and resources that support aspiring educators throughout Louisiana.

MEMBERSHIP

Become a Founding Member

LAFE memberships are now available for:

• Middle School Chapters

• High School Chapters

• College Chapters

Schools and organizations can become official LAFE members by visiting the website and clicking the Membership tab at: www.joinlafe.org Schools that join LAFE by June 30, 2026 will be recognized as Founding Members and will receive a class set of exclusive LAFE Founding Member stickers.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Educators Rising National Conference

Portland, Oregon | June 20–23, 2026

LAFE is excited to welcome approximately 100 Louisiana aspiring educators and teacher leaders to Portland, Oregon this summer for the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference.

Conference information, schedules, and competition details can be found at: https://educatorsrising.org/conference-competitions/

Special Louisiana Events at Nationals

In an effort to feel united as a state delegation, LAFE is planning several Louisiana-specific events and opportunities during the conference. We also hope to sit together during the opening keynote lunch and closing session.

Teacher leaders are asked to complete the Louisiana RSVP and volunteer form for their group.

Louisiana Events Schedule at Ed Rising National

Saturday, June 20 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Louisiana Welcome Pizza Party at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Sunday, June 21 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch & Keynote Seating: Volunteers are needed to arrive early and wave Louisiana flags to help attendees locate the group seating area.

Monday, June 22 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Louisiana Association of Future Educators Networking Social & Dinner Courtyard Marriott Portland Convention Center; LAFE shirts will be distributed during this event for attendees to wear the following day.

Tuesday, June 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Louisiana Sits Together during Closing Session: Attendees are encouraged to wear their LAFE shirts and sit together during the general closing session. Volunteers are needed to arrive early and wave Louisiana flags to help attendees locate the group seating area.

RSVP: Please have one teacher leader from each group complete the RSVP and volunteer form so we can reserve your delegation’s spot at the Louisiana events.

Additional Summer 2026 Opportunities

LSU Aspiring Educators Summer Academy

The LSU Aspiring Educators Summer Academy provides an exciting opportunity for Louisiana students interested in exploring careers in education.This summer academy is designed for incoming 2026–2027 high school juniors and seniors and current graduating high school seniors with an interest in pursuing a career in education.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Explore the teaching profession

• Learn from experienced educators and university faculty

• Engage in leadership and professional development activities

• Experience college and campus life at LSU

• Connect with other aspiring educators from across Louisiana

Additional information about the LSU Aspiring Educators Summer Academy can be found here.

Learning & Leading: Aspiring Educator Cohort 2026–2027

The LDOE Learning & Leading: Aspiring Educators Cohort is designed to cultivate Louisiana’s next generation of educators. This program provides high school students with meaningful opportunities to explore the teaching profession while developing essential leadership skills and professional knowledge for future success in education.

Important Information

• Applications opened May 1, 2026

• Applications must be submitted by the school’s Pre-Educator leader or principal

• Application deadline: May 22, 2026

Please share this opportunity with pre-educator system leads and teachers. Questions may be directed to: believeandprepare@la.gov

OPPORTUNITIES

Funding Opportunities for Louisiana Pre-Educator Programs

Pre-Educator Development and Expansion Funding Application

The Louisiana Department of Education opened the Pre-Educator Development and Expansion Funding Application on May 1, 2026 with a deadline of June 3, 2026. This program aims to strengthen and expand pre-educator pathways across Louisiana. School systems may apply for either development funding to start a new pre-educator program in a school or district or expansion funding to grow existing programs.

STAY CONNECTED