Sixty-seven teachers and leaders one step closer to being named Louisiana’s best
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced today the 67 educators advancing one step closer to being named the state’s best. The LDOE named its 2025 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists, 2025 Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year Finalists, and the 2024 Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalists.
“It is an honor to celebrate the significance of the education profession and those who choose to serve the next generation,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These remarkable teachers and leaders are making a profound impact on the lives of students and the future of Louisiana."
Louisiana Teacher of the Year Semifinalists
- Acadia Parish: Elise Boutin
- Allen Parish: Christian Harrington
- Ascension Parish: Morgan Green
- Avoyelles Parish: Jodie T. Melancon
- Bossier Parish: Chris Kourvelas
- Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Suresh Chiruguru
- Claiborne Parish: Hannah Talley Sanders
- Collegiate Academies: Nora McGann
- Evangeline Parish: Jessica Capseta
- Hynes Charter School: Jazmyne Darby
- Iberia Parish: Racquell Archangel
- Jefferson Parish: Dawn LaFargue-Armelin
- Lafayette Parish: Jessica "Joy" Stalnaker
- Morris Jeff Community School: Steven Kennedy
- Ouachita Parish: Jennifer Callender
- Richland Parish: Susan Shrader
- St. Bernard Parish: Christina McCarta
- St. Charles Parish: Annette Blanchard
- St. Mary Parish: Rebecca Nguyen
- St. Tammany Parish: Carra "Beth" Melton
- Tangipahoa Parish: Jill Williams
- Terrebonne Parish: Leah Voisin
- University View Academy: Raven Cole
- Zachary Community School District: Adrianne Dykes
Louisiana Principal of the Year Semifinalists
- Beauregard Parish: S. Chad Schulz
- Caddo Parish: Robert Middleton
- Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Shonna Anderson
- Central Community School District: Brandon LaGroue
- DeSoto Parish: Amanda LaFollette
- East Baton Rouge Parish: Dr. Tongelia McCray-Rowan
- FirstLine Schools: Glenda Welch Baylis
- Franklin Parish: Anna Tarver
- Grant Parish: Jennifer Winslett
- Iberville Parish: Dr. Amanda Austin
- Lafourche Parish: Dr. Decina Rodriguez
- Lincoln Parish: Tiffany Curry
- Livingston Parish: Anne “Beth” Jones
- Natchitoches Parish: Micah Coleman
- Plaquemines Parish: Holly Eiswirth
- Rapides Parish: Rebecca Warren
- Red River Parish: Michael Beck
- Sabine Parish: Donya Tatum
- St. John the Baptist Parish: Dr. Kara Lawson
- St. Landry Parish: Casey Comeaux
- St. Martin Parish: Tiedra Hawkins
- Vernon Parish: Jennifer Wilbanks
- West Baton Rouge Parish: Kelley Stein
- West Feliciana Parish: Brittney Rosenbach
Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year Finalists
- East Baton Rouge Parish: Julie Cook
- East Baton Rouge Parish: Montrellani Gordon
- Franklin Parish: Tasha Jones
- Jefferson Parish: Nicole Williams
- West Baton Rouge Parish: Yashica Murphy
Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year Finalists
- East Baton Rouge Parish: Ashley Beal
- Iberville Parish: Rockeisha Walker
- Plaquemines Parish: Ava Hingle
- Rapides Parish: Michelle Queen
- Vermillion Parish: Tiffany Comeaux
Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalists
Elementary:
- Ascension Parish: Ashlie Clouatre
- Bossier Parish: Alex Devine
- Ouachita Parish: Samantha Valentine
Middle:
- Iberville Parish: Olivia Landry
- Lafayette Parish: Morgan Toups
- Rapides Parish: William Foley
High:
- Calcasieu Parish: Tiffany Pfeifer
- Jackson Parish: Trey Porchay
- Zachary Community School District: Braxton Michel
All semifinalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by
Dream Teachers.
These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge those teachers and leaders who are making exceptional gains with students. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.
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