The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education has created the Teaching, Leading and Learning Initiative (TLLI), a new program designed to deliver advanced educational programs to individuals in the Caddo and Bossier Parish areas. Louisiana Tech will formally launch the TLLI during an information meeting at 6:00 p.m. on August 25 at the Louisiana Tech Shreveport Center, located at 8028 Shreve Park Drive in Shreveport. The event is open to the public and community members are cordially invited and encouraged to attend. Building on longstanding relationships developed by the College of Education with schools in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, the TLLI provides increased opportunities for current and future educators to enhance their professional preparation, credentials and leadership skills to meet their career goals while also meeting the needs of area school districts. “We are very enthusiastic about the TLLI as it provides enhanced service and support to current and future members of our Caddo/Bossier Louisiana Tech family,” said Dr. Don Schillinger, dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Education. “I am looking forward to meeting and chatting on the evening of August 25 with everyone who might be interested in our innovative course and program offerings.” The TLLI is designed for individuals in the Caddo and Bossier area who are interested in earning initial certification in teaching secondary education (grades 7-12) or special education, Leader I certification to advance their leadership skills and careers as educational leaders, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) in either PK-12 Educational Leadership or Higher Education Administration. The initiative is delivered through Louisiana Tech’s Shreveport Center utilizing a combination of online, classroom-based and hybrid course formats to provide optimal access to high quality learning for educational professionals. “This initiative provides an avenue for the development and preparation of a strong cadre of teachers and educational leaders to help meet the critical teaching and educational leadership needs of the Caddo and Bossier Parishes area,” said Dr. Bryan McCoy, department head for curriculum, instruction and leadership in Louisiana Tech’s College of Education. The meeting will provide information about the advanced programs offered through the TLLI, how to get started and tuition assistance for those who qualify. The College of Education’s leadership team will be present to answer questions along with Louisiana Tech’s Office of Professional Education Outreach (OPEO) and Graduate School staff. For more information on this announcement and event, please contact Dr. Bryan McCoy at 318-257-4609 or bmccoy@latech.edu.