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Two Mulberry Elementary School educators have been honored for their success in and out of the classroom. One is being considered for top teacher in the state, and the other as an emerging leader in education.
Mulberry teacher Kayla Boudreaux is among eight other teachers vying for the annual
Elementary Teacher of the Year Award given by the state Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Schools.
And first-grade teacher Alesia Blanchard has been chosen from among thousands of educators nationwide as an Emerging Leader.
Boudreaux is also the only nominee from the Tri-parish area to be nominated for the top teacher award this year.
The winners will be announced at tomorrow’s BESE meeting in Baton Rouge.
“Research shows that the single largest indicator for student success in the classroom is a high quality teacher,” state Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said in a release. “These teachers are among the cream of the crop in Louisiana. They don’t just work hard – they have discovered the secret to motivating their students and teaching them the joy of learning. I hope that after receiving this recognition they will not only continue their work, but will also share their methods and knowledge with colleagues throughout the state.”
The overall Teacher of the Year will be selected as well as the elementary, middle and high school teachers of the year. The winners are chosen based on criteria including teaching skills and dedication, plans to continue in the profession and the earned respect
of the student body, parents and colleagues.
The “top” teacher must also exude school and community leadership, be affiliated with educational organizations and posses a superior ability to inspire students of all backgrounds.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the influence of great teachers during my school years,” said BESE President Linda Johnson. “I think honoring our best teachers and encouraging other to vie for the title of Teacher of the Year is one of the most important things we do. It serves as an incentive for all of our teachers to continue to strive to better themselves and, in turn, the performance of their students.”
The Phi Delta Kappa International, a leading association of education professionals, chooses candidates for the Emerging Leader honor.
Blanchard credits her grandmother and her kindergarten teacher as the key influences on her decision to pursue a career in education. “I can honestly say that I never thought of any other career for myself,” she said. “It is an honor to touch children’s lives and know that I am shaping their future.”
Judged by a jury of her peers, Blanchard was named a candidate for the Phi Delta Kappa 2007-2008 Class of Emerging Leaders in May. More than 40 final nominations were received, but Blanchard’s stellar accomplishments proved to be evident, as she was named one of 13 applicants representing emerging leaders class this year.
“The 13 individuals selected to be in the 2007-2008 class of PDK Emerging Leaders represent the best of the profession and serve as a model for the leadership and dedication that will prepare our students for the future,” William Bushaw, PDK International executive director said in a release.
All members of the class will receive a certificate and a monogrammed, leather portfolio from the international office. In addition, these individuals will be recognized at a luncheon Oct. 19 at the PDK Summit on Global Education in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada.
First grade teacher Alesia Blanchard has been named one of 13 nominees nationwide as an Emerging Leader. * Photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN
