Agenda for Children’s Leaders in Teaching Institute (LIT) is a community of highly experienced teachers and pedagogical leaders in the New Orleans early childhood community committed to actively growing their professional knowledge, skills and understanding, as a cohort of supportive peers. From January through August of 2025, participants commit to monthly, in-person meetings, planned field experiences, observations, virtual meetings, group conversations, and the completion of a practiced-based professional learning project.
Participants will be awarded a stipend of $1,000, will receive valuable training, and be given an opportunity to become a certified CLASS Observer and earn recognition as a LIT Master Teacher.
Please note: Substitute support will be available to participants’ employing centers.
Please see the FAQs below for more details and information.
Who is eligible to participate?
To be eligible to participate in the LIT Institute, applicants must meet the following requirements
- Be employed at least half time (20 hours per week) at any licensed Orleans Parish early childhood program
- Hold a position of teacher, lead teacher, curriculum specialist, coach, mentor teacher, professional development specialist, or other role with a majority of duties directly connected to classroom interactions. Directors and Assistant Directors are not eligible for LIT
- Have a minimum of three years of experience as a classroom teacher
- Commit to monthly in-person meetings, virtual group chats and check-ins, scheduled field experiences, and peer observations
- Commit to completing and implementing a practice-based project in their center
- Present a letter of support from the applicant's Director
- Present a recommendation from a professional reference
*All eligible candidates may apply, but only one participant will be selected from any early childhood program site.
When and where will LIT take place?
Applications for LIT will open in early November 2024, and selected participants will be notified in December 2024. From January through August 2025, participants will meet monthly in-person at the Agenda for Children meeting space at 8300 Earhart Blvd, Suite 103. Additional online and onsite experiences may be provided.
How do I apply for LIT?
The application for LIT can be found on this page. You will find templates and links for the Director's Letter of Support and Professional Reference on this page as well.