Progress Southwest Louisiana-2024

PROGRESS

She sees to it that her students feel ’loved, seen and heard’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Jacqueline Hebert teaches pre-K because she wants to ensure students begin their educational journey on the right foot with positive and fruitful experiences.

“I get to lay the foundation for which other grades can build upon. I want to inspire my students to become lifelong learners and to find joy in the learning process.”

In a classroom full of 4-year-olds, Hebert wants to be a “beacon of light for all students” — the way her teachers were for her. She attended Grand Lake High School from kindergarten through 12th grade. As a student, she excelled and held respect for her teachers, but it was their “kindness and relentless support” following a personal tragedy that inspired her to enter the field of education.

“The summer of my freshman year I lost my dad to lung cancer.  The teachers at Grand Lake High School showed me so much compassion and helped me grow and develop during those dark times.”

Before graduating from Grand Lake, she was dual-enrolled at Sowela Technical Community College, where she earned 24 hours of college credit. She transferred to McNeese State University and graduated with a bachelor’s in elementary education. Currently, she is getting ready to graduate from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with her master’s in educational

leadership in December and is awaiting acceptance into the doctoral program at LSUS in educational leadership with a concentration in leadership studies.

She has spread her 12 years

TOP PICK

Jacqueline Hebert was voted The American Press Teacher of the Year during a two-week online vote of teacher profiles featured this school year for our weekly Benoit Motors Teacher of the Week features.

as an educator across multiple area schools. Hebert started her career at Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy as a first-grade teacher. She also spent time teaching in the Calcasieu Parish School system as a pre-K teacher at M.J. Kaufman Elementary, and at her home school, Grand Lake, as a kindergarten and second-grade teacher.

Now, she is back at Lake Charles Charter Academy, where she has been teaching pre-K for four years. The environment in her classroom is structured to allow students to learn and have fun simultaneously.

“There is lots of laughter in my classroom, and it is my hope that I create a place where my students want to continue to come to each day.”

She makes sure her students feel “loved, seen and heard” with the goal to impact the lives of future generations in a positive way. The opportunity to directly benefit young students is why she loves being a teacher.

“I want to equip all students with the tools necessary to be successful in school and in life.  No other career would allow me to do this.”

Hebert loves her students — and they are the main reason she stays motivated.

“Teaching is hard, but seeing the growth in the students is what keeps me going. I love getting to celebrate their successes and see the joy on their faces when they accomplish their goals.”

From the first day of school, she begins to build positive relationships with each student.

“I love sharing stories about my life and family, and I enjoy hearing stories about their lives.  I have high expectations for all of my students, but they know that I love them and will be there to ensure they succeed.”

These relationships do not stop once they leave her classroom, she said.

“I love seeing and interacting with past students. Watching students grow and be successful is the greatest reward.”

Jacqueline Hebert

Rachel Mahoney: Classroom exactly where I need to be

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lake Charles native Rachel Mahoney has learned quite a lot in her five years as an educator.

One of the most significant things she has learned is she chose the right profession for herself. Mahoney said from a very young age, she had an inclination to become a teacher. “I knew from when I was little I always wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

After unintentionally practicing during playtime in her youth, she realized her fantasy could become reality. “I enjoyed playing school at home, so I wanted to make my dreams come true.”

Mahoney got straight to it after graduating from Barbe High School in

2013. In the fall of 2017, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from McNeese State University. She didn’t stop there. She went on to earn her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon State University in October 2022.

All of the years she has taught have been at Ralph Wilson Elementary.

Her first four years she taught third grade. She made the switch to fourth grade ELA (English Language Arts) and social studies at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.

It didn’t take long for Mahoney to be confident in her decision to become a teacher. “When I experienced what it was like in the classroom, I knew I was right where I needed to be,” she said.

Anita

Alexander:

‘We don’t all learn the same’ way

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Anita Alexander has lived and worked in Southwest Louisiana for the entirety of her life. Since her youth, she knew she wanted to give back to her hometown through education.

Over the past few years, she has not stopped learning, and this is what she loves most about being a teacher. “The thing I enjoy most about education is the learning experience,” she explained.

Renoda Washington: God led me to this career

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Renoda Washington has spent eight years as a special education and resource teacher.

Washington did not begin her professional life in education. “God truly led me in the direction to become a teacher. I was already teaching in church, but it was not my career.

“I began as a substitute teacher and from there I developed an even greater burden for the youth and students with special needs,” she said. “Having a son diagnosed with autism at an early age and my experiences on our journey is my greatest inspiration in becoming a teacher, as well.”

She also attributes inspiration to those that taught her. “I’ve also had such amazing teachers in my childhood that truly exemplified the characteristics of the educator I desire

Washington

to be.”

Washington graduated from Grambling High School in 2004 before attending McNeese State University, where she earned her bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in sociology in 2009. In 2020, she earned her Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from LSU-Shreveport. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor in Education in performance improvement leadership.

When she began teaching, she was at Washington-Marion High School. After two years of teaching there, she

moved to LaGrange High School. She now teaches at Lake Charles College Prep.

Washington finds in education there is always room to learn and grow. “I love being able to challenge my students and to see them grow and develop in those areas where they may not feel too confident in.”

Her greatest joy in teaching is building relationships with parents, guardians and especially her students.

“My students are my big babies, and everyone knows that,” she explained. “I am elated to see them graduate, walk into adulthood, and just knowing that I had a part in that brings me great joy”

Washington works hard to make her classroom the ultimate place for learning.

“I create an environment where they feel and know they are loved, safe and supported,” she said.

“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher.”

As a child, Alexander played out her fantasy of being an educator during play time. “I did not play with dolls like other girls did,” she said. “I used them as my students in my make-believe classroom.”

After graduating from Iowa High School, she began her 43-year career in education as a paraprofessional before attending McNeese to earn her bachelor’s in education.

Alexander has taught special education and math at Crowley Middle School and Iowa High School.

Over four decades later, she is still devoted to her work. “I enjoy teaching,” she explained. “It’s an important part of my life, and I really love what I do.”

Her experience has taught her the art of accommodation. “I have learned that everyone, young and old, can learn, but we don’t learn the same. When you have a whole classroom of learners, you have to differentiate instruction to teach all the different learning styles.”

While teaching, she takes the time to ensure every student has exactly what they need to learn efficiently. “I work with students to find their learning style, then work to tailor my instruction to their specific needs. I think this makes it easier for students to learn the skills I am teaching.”

If she were to give any advice, it would be to set the attitude and processes of the classroom from the start. “I would tell both new and experienced teachers to ‘make it fun for students and get to know their learning style early in the year.”

Special to the American Press Rachel Mahoney assists a student at Ralph Wilson Elementary.

Alexander

PROGRESS

CaNetha Sturden: Strives to give students gift of determination

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Leesville native CaNetha Sturden’s passion for education has followed her through life.

“I have always loved reading and learning new things,” she explained.

She was inspired to pursue a career as an educator by her childhood teacher, Marilous Francisco, who taught her from fifth to eighth grade at St. Lucy Catholic School in Long Beach, Calif. “She dedicated well over 40 years to making sure that students left St. Lucy prepared not only for high school, but for life’s many experiences.”

Struden came back to Louisiana as

a teenager, where she graduated from Leesville High School in 1990. After graduating, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in human services from Upper Iowa University. She continued her collegiate education by earning her Masters of Arts in teaching from McNeese State University and her Master of Arts in reading from Grand Canyon University.

Currently, she is a Doctoral Candidate in education leadership at Capella University.

She has taught at six institutions during her 18 years as an educator:

Oberlin Elementary School, Oberlin High School, DeRidder Middle School, The Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana, Washington-Marion Magnet High School and currently, Lake Charles College Prep.

At LCCP, she teaches English Language Arts for the Freshman Academy. There, she also assists the boys’ basketball team.

In the classroom, Sturden pushes her students to achieve goals that they didn’t think were possible. Witnessing a student realize their potential is one of her greatest joys. “I enjoy when the light bulb finally comes on,” she said. “I love when a student who didn’t think they could actually show growth

in a skill area succeeds.”

She pushes her students to succeed, and it pays off. “I set high expectations that show them a standard that they can inspire to reach.”

Sturden makes it a mission to not only show her students their potential, but also help them access every possible opportunity their future holds. “I believe my job is to help students to discover the many paths of life.”

She is able to provide this for her students by building their skill set. “Through education, I would like to give them the gift of motivation and determination to be able to face all the many obstacles that they will face in life,” she said.

Lisa Albrecht: ‘Every day is a different and new adventure’ Kelly Juneau: Following in her mother’s footsteps

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Teaching runs in Kelly Juneau’s, family. She was inspired to begin her 15-year teaching career by her mom.

“I grew up seeing her giving 100 percent to her students each day,” she explained. “She went the extra mile for each of them, and that is one of the many reasons I admire her.”

She witnessed the positive impact her mother made in the lives of her students, and decided early on she wanted to provide those same services. “I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to be that person for someone. So, I followed in her footsteps.”

She doesn’t regret a moment. “I can honestly say that I made the right decision.”

Juneau is an alumni of Avoyelles High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education

from LSU-Alexandria in 2008, and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in educational leadership from McNeese in 2011.

She also has many certifications pertaining to her field, including a mentor teacher certification and a NISL (National Institute for School Leadership) certification.

She began her education career in 2008 at John. J. Johnson Elementary

See JUNEAU, A5

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lisa Albrecht has been teaching for over three decades.

Her career lifted off in 1990 in Titusville, Fla. During her first year, Albrecht had the opportunity to work with NASA, as they were involved with her elementary school for the shuttle program.

She was regularly invited to attend Space Shuttle Endeavor launches and landings. “It was exciting to witness a space program pave the way for a new vehicle in space exploration.”

She was inspired to become a teacher through her eighth and 12th grade social studies teacher, Wilda McNatt. “There was never a dull moment in her classroom as she brought her stimulating lessons alive. She truly cared about each of us as individuals and prepared us for the road ahead.”

Albrecht graduated from Hancock North Central High School – Brett Favre’s alma mater – in 1983 before attending university to earn her Bachelor of Science in elementary education. She is also certified in mentor teaching, special education and ESL (English

as a second language). Albrecht taught in different schools in Florida before moving to Lake Charles in 2007. When she began teaching at A.A. Nelson Elementary, she was greeted with community and collaboration. “I was welcomed into the faculty with so many amazing dynamic teachers who had one common goal to motivate students to reach for success.”

In 2021, she was given the opportunity to teach English at F. K. White Middle School and help ESL students with their transition into middle school. She happily took on the challenge, and was greeted by peers with as much enthusiasm as she had.

“I am working with inspiring, passionate teachers.”

Albrecht lives for the excitement of teaching, believing “there is never a boring moment.”

“Every day is a different and a new adventure.”

This is especially true in Albrecht’s classroom, which is filled with “a community mixed with cultures, languages, academics and technology.”

Sturden

Albrecht

Special to the American Press Kelly Juneau and husband Jeremiah Juneau with their two children.

Wendy Magness: From music to motherhood to teaching PROGRESS

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Wendy Magness decided to pursue a career in education after becoming a mom. “I started college majoring in music but after a few years I married and my first child was born.”

She found that being a musician wasn’t what was best for her family. “I realized that a performance music degree would have me traveling and I didn’t want to travel now that I was a mom,” she said. “I spoke with my advi-

Natalie OrpheyJohnson: Creating connections in class

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lake Charles native Natalie Orphey-Johnson’s mother is her greatest inspiration.

“She taught with class and grace, and held herself to high standards. I don’t believe I could ever compare to her, however I do believe I have made her proud.”

Orphey-Johnson graduated from LaGrange Senior High School in 1994

See JOHNSON, 6

sor and she suggested education.”

Despite never considering education as a career, the transition was smooth. “I didn’t have to think twice. It just felt right from the start,” she explained. “I dove in head first and knew that it was a calling. I was blessed to have the opportunity.”

After attending several high schools in Texas, Magness found herself in Barbe High School’s graduating class.

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School, where she taught fourth grade for four years. She then taught fourth grade at Kaufman Elementary School before transferring to Henry Heights Elementary, where she served as the instructional coach.

One year later, she was presented the opportunity to serve as the assistant principal at Henry Heights Elementary. She remained in that position for three and a half years before transferring to Prien Lake Elementary in 2017 to serve as assistant principal.

Juneau said she wakes up each morning energized, excited and ready for the day. “I love the students, parents and community that embodies CPSB, and I love my school family,” she said. “I am so fortunate to work with extraordinary people who give their all each day.”

“I consider myself blessed.”

She attended McNeese for two years before moving back to Texas to earn her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in elementary education from Sam Houston State University. She then received a specialization in biology. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and is currently taking courses from the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

She began her career at Austin Elementary in Baytown, Texas, where she taught for 11 years. She then moved back to Southwest Louisiana, where

Out of all of the aspects of education that she loves, she adores her students the most.

For Juneau, it’s the small actions of affection the students offer her that bring her joy — such as random hugs in the hallway, office celebrations for succeeding students and high-fives for tangible improvement.

she taught at Brentwood Elementary for one year before moving to her role at Lake Charles Charter Academy.

Magness has come to love every aspect of teaching, but derives the most joy from working one-on-one with students of all ages.

She fervently believes that every student is capable of being taught. “All children can learn,” she said. “If I teach them passionately, they will learn it.”

She believes the best way to approach and teach students is with empathy. “I listen to them,” she said.

“The list goes on and on… They remind me to enjoy and relish in the little things; laugh more, hug more and don’t forget to be silly. They teach me more than they will ever know.”

Juneau believes that every student has the potential to improve skills and absorb information, and should be treated as such.

Magness

OrpheyJohnson

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before attending McNeese State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s in education.

While earning her undergraduate degree, Orphey-Johnson began to earn educational experience by subbing throughout the Calcasieu Parish school system.

After graduating, she was offered a position as a fifth-grade teacher at Ralph Wilson Elementary School. Over the last 15 years, she has also taught at Fairview Elementary and Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy.

She now serves as Dean of Students at SWLCA, where she facilitates the growth and development of her students while also creating enriching learning environments.

The connections that have been created – both with her peers and with her students – during her time as an educator are her favorite aspect of the job.

“All students can be successful and learn, just in different ways,” is the philosophy Orphey-Johnson has developed.

This philosophy applies to herself, as well — as her students often teach her valuable lessons such as patience, empathy and problem-solving.

“In the years that I’ve been in education, I think the most that I’ve learned from students is how to handle situations with them,” she explained. “They teach me how to reflect on my practices and how to care for them.”

Over the years, she has also learned that teachers wear many different hats, and that it takes passion, effort and adaptability to be an efficient educator.

“We not only teach academics, but we teach students skills such as social skills, conflict resolution, communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking and more.”

The diverse education that SWLCA offers creates productive citizens, she believes.“This allows them to eventually grow into productive and upstanding citizens of their communities.”

She also believes that those who become teachers are answering a call, and that people who are destined to become educators have a responsibility to “always have an open mindset and never stop growing your skill set.”

Jennifer Gorman: Giving students a second chance

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Jennifer Gorman has spent 28 years providing inclusive and individualized education for every type of learner.

Gorman earned her bachelor’s degree in education from McNeese State University in 1993. She only had two weeks off after graduation, as she was offered a job to fill in for an eighthgrade teacher on sabbatical for the following spring semester.

She taught at S.J. Welsh Middle School for a total of 18 years. In 2000, after teaching at the school for six years, she moved to Aubery, Texas, and taught sixth and seventh grade content mastery classes at Aubrey Middle School. In 2001, she began teaching fifth and sixth grade inclusion and resources at Dutchtown Middle School in Prairieville. The next year, she returned to Southwest Louisiana to teach students with behavior-

al and emotional needs at Welsh Elementary.

In 2003, she returned to S.J. Welsh as an eighth-grade inclusion and resource teacher. She remained at S.J. Welsh until 2015 before accepting her current position.

Gorman is now the Calcasieu Parish School Board Coordinator at Simon Youth Academy (SYA) at Prien Lake Mall and Calcasieu Parish.

SYA is an alternative program that provides personalized support for junior and senior high school students that are at risk of dropping out of school. “It’s a second chance program for many students.”

Students that participate in SYA are referred to the program by school administration or counselors and participate virtually.

The program is part of the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). The ultimate goal of SYF is to give every student a chance at graduating high school. “They believe that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education,” said Gorman.

This is done by creating partnerships with school districts and building high schools in communities that house Simon Malls. Gorman explained that through the program, students are given individualized assistance before and after graduation.

For Gorman, it is vitally important that every student be given the attention they need to thrive, even if this attention is nontraditional. “I believe all students can learn and succeed… good educators meet all students’ differentiated learning needs to help all students meet their maximum learning potential,” she said.

Shon Merritt: Military spouse finds joy in teaching

By Emily Burleigh American Press

After spending much of her adult life traveling the world with her husband, Lake Charles native Shon Merritt has found a home with her students at Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy.

She left Southwest Louisiana in 1999 with her husband and spent 16 years as an “army wife.”

During her time abroad, she taught on and off. She has taught in Kansas, North Carolina and at Department of Defense Schools in Germany. “As a military spouse, I had to adapt to every new location and the job availability in that area.”

She was encouraged to pursue jobs in school systems by her mother-inlaw, who was a teacher herself. She steered Merritt towards substitute teaching. After seeing her succeed in that role, Merritt’s mother-in-law told her to become a teacher.

“She told me that I had a gift for

teaching and should get into education fulltime,” she explained.

The more she taught, the more she realized how much joy it brought her.

“As I began teaching, I realized that there is something wonderful about the moment the ‘light bulb’ clicks on in a child’s mind,” she said. “To see the excitement in their eyes when they comprehend what I have taught them is quite fulfilling.”

After nearly two decades of migration, Merritt and her husband returned to “Cajun Country” in 2015.

She now teaches seventh-grade English language arts at SWLCA, where she also serves as a member of the Black History Committee, Veterans Day Committee, PBIS Committee and a mentor for SWLCA’s Distinguished Gentleman and Sista-Sista Mentoring Club.

In the classroom, Merritt uses a

wide range of techniques and methods to teach her students, such as emphasizing student involvement, developing an enriching learning environment and building motivation and interest in learning for students.

Through her hard work, she aims to “impact students’ lives and to leave a storied legacy”

Through building distinctive connections with each of her students, she is able to teach more effectively.

“Each has their own unique, individual qualities and I want to be that teacher that caters to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment, so students feel safe to take risks and express themselves.”

Her students, in turn, motivate her to become the best version of herself as a teacher. “At times in life, we all can become a little lazy,” she said. “Each morning that I enter my classroom and see the future leaders of America, it motivates me to be the best for them so that they can be the best when they leave my classroom.”

Gorman

Merritt

PROGRESS

Coach Sean Andrus: ‘Never a dull day in education’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Sulphur native Sean Andrus has been teaching for a decade and is constantly inspired by his aunt, Jackie Stevens, who has taught at Washington-Marion High School for 40 years.

“Her continued dedication to her school community inspires me to give the same dedication to my students.”

His initial inspiration, however, came from Skip Carlin — one of his former high school coaches. “He reached out to me when I was enrolled at McNeese to get into coaching. He knew I had an interest in the profession and had room on his staff.”

This phone call led to a shift in his career path.

Andrus graduated from Sulphur High School in 2006 and graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in general studies six years later.

It wasn’t until he coached that he realized he wanted to earn his teaching certification, which he later received from Louisiana Christian University in 2013.

He spent his first year as an educator at Reynaud Middle School. He then taught at F.K. White Middle School for seven years before entering his current role at Lake Charles College Prep.

For the last two years, Andrus has been the ninth- and 10th-grade boys’ physical education and health teacher, as well as the head boys’ basketball coach at LCCP.

As a teacher, Andrus enjoys the community and the mission. “Education allows me to be a part of the village of adults that help guide this generation into their future careers,” he said.

He aims to pass on the nurturing that he was given as a student to his classes. “I enjoy paying all the life lessons that I learned from my teachers forwards to my current students.”

His day-to-day philosophy is to “keep the main thing the main thing.”

This ideology is an important grounding technique that helps him remember his mission as an educator. “In the education field, it is not always easy days, but as long as you’re in it for the right reasons, which is to

Special to the American Press Sean Andrus, center, is the head boys’ basketball coach Lake Charles College Prep.

help grow great young people, then you understand why you have been called to this profession.”

His students also help him stay in the moment by keeping him energized.

“Everyday is a new challenge, and I enjoy how they make everything interesting,” he said. “There’s never a dull day in education!”

Autumn Flanagan: Students give her purpose

By Emily Burleigh American Press

As a student, Autumn Flanagan was raised in Calcasieu Parish schools. Today, she is continuing the cycle by nurturing the next generation.

She calls herself a graduate of Calcasieu Parish, and has been a part of the Calcasieu Parish School District for most of her life; she attended College Oaks Elementary, Moss Bluff Middle School and Sam Houston High School.

After graduating high school, she went on to earn her undergraduate degree in early childhood education and elementary education – and later her master of education in educa-

tional technology from McNeese State University.

Flanagan knew she wanted to become a teacher in early elementary school, and was inspired by her kindergarten teacher, Susan Couch, and first-grade teacher, Barbara Cooley.

She learned by example, as their love and passion for education guided her to her life’s mission. “I wanted to be just like them,” she said. “They made going to school exciting and enjoyable.”

She has taught for 19 years at two

Lisa Foster: Teaching students is my calling

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Sulphur native Lisa Foster — an English teacher at Sulphur High School — discovered a love for teaching while she was in graduate school.

Foster earned her bachelor’s degree from McNeese State University in educational psychology and a secondary degree in English education.

She decided to continue her education, and was pursuing a master’s degree in education psychology when she relocated to Baton Rouge with her husband. After moving, she decided to teach while pursuing her graduate degree.

She got her first teaching gig at Hosanna Christian Academy, a private school in Baton Rouge. It was there Foster discovered her passion. “The more time I spent in the classroom, I knew my calling was to be a teacher.”

different schools. She spent her first year teaching at Jennings Elementary School, but soon moved back to Calcasieu Parish to teach first grade at Gillis Elementary School.

Flanagan’s values align with Gillis Elementary’s motto: Generating Independent Lifelong Learners in Tomorrow’s Society.

Throughout her career, she has taught kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade and fifth grade, with a particular passion for teaching English language arts.

As an avid reader herself, passing down that passion is a worthwhile

She has now taught English for 26 years. She moved back to the area after three years in Baton Rouge. She taught at Vinton High School for seven years before moving to Sulphur High, where she has been teaching since 2007. Foster appreciates the versatility of her career. Educators walk into their schools every morning knowing that they will face new and unexpected challenges.

“Education is unique in that it has a different environment every day,” she explained. “Although the routine is the same, the experiences are constantly changing. Some days are highly structured and on other days, the students guide the learning.”

Education is a two-way street. “They remind me daily we are a team… I am only one half of the equation. We need each other to be successful.”

This is especially when teaching high school. “If you pour into their lives, the returns are tenfold.”

Foster

Flanagan

PROGRESS

Kiah Mansell: Knowledge a powerful tool

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Kiah Mansell, who has three years of teaching experience under her belt, makes it a mission to learn, grow and take things one step at a time.

She moved to Sulphur from Texas when she was young, and attended Maplewood Elementary and Middle School before graduating from Sulphur High School with honors.

She did not become a teacher right away, but much of her life prior to becoming a teacher was dedicated to teaching and caring for children. She spent time as a camp counselor and youth leader, and was introduced to the field of education after substituting on and off in the Calcasieu Parish school district for several years. These experiences solidified her decision to become a teacher and “share knowledge with the bright minds of the future.”

She went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in general studies

in 2019 from McNeese State University.

Now Mansell teaches sixth grade English language arts at Lake Charles Charter Academy. She also works alongside a team of peers to run the theater program at LCCA.

Mansell said she has always carried a passion for sharing knowledge, and believes helping others academically brings joy to all.

“I believe that knowledge is one of our most powerful tools.”

Education is not “one size fits all” for Mansell. “Every child is capable of growth with the right tools, right care, right time and right effort put into their education. Educators must be adaptable when it comes to teaching in today’s world to create avid learners for the future.”

Seeing her students respond to her adaptable teaching style makes it all

worthwhile.

“Watching students achieve new levels of academic growth is one of the biggest joys that education can offer.”

Mansell’s students are a priority in her life. “They mean the world to me. They push me to be a better teacher and we learn lessons together to achieve new heights,” she explained. “They remind me that I always have new and exciting things to learn to be the teacher I wish to be.

For Mansell, educating the upcoming generations properly is like insurance for the future.

“Encouraging children to reach new heights and offering various levels of certifications, degrees and trainings to adults is a key way to improve the community as a whole.”

In her free time, Mansell hikes and explores mountains throughout the nation; she has hiked Manitou Incline, the High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Pike’s Peak.

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experience. “I love teaching kids how to read. Seeing a kid light up when they read is an amazing experience. The smile that reading brings to their face is something you will not forget.”

Flanagan understands the weight of her job. As a first-grade teacher, she tends the soil for her students’ future growth. “Learning to read is the most critical part of a child’s educational experience. I am helping my students learn a life-long skill, something they will never stop using.”

She loves teaching first grade because she gets the honor of being a primary witness to the students’ development. “The growth you see in the kids is remarkable from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.”

The growth goes both ways.

“It amazes me to think how my students help me grow in my profession daily … my students challenge me as a professional to figure out or identify new approaches to reach all students and learning styles.”

Mansell

PROGRESS

Melissa Cormier: Empowerment is key in my classroom

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Melissa Cormier has put positivity and patience in the heart of her classroom for 13 years.

She centers her educator’s philosophy around creating a positive and empowering learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.

Cormier began her career after earning her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in English with a minor in history in 2005 and alternative certification for middle school English and social studies in 2010 from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.

She first began teaching sixth grade

science and English at Plaisance Elementary School. The next year, she joined the team at Breaux Bridge Junior High to teach seventh and eighth grade English.

She also taught at Scott Middle School’s Alternative Program before moving to Southwest Louisiana.

She spent her first years in Southwest Louisiana teaching at F.K. White Middle School.

Currently, she teaches eighth grade English at Moss Bluff Middle School. “I live in Moss Bluff, so I was thrilled when a position opened.”

Special to the American Press

Amelia Duhon is the curriculum resource teacher at Lake Charles Academy.

Amelia

Duhon:

‘I always knew I was called to be an educator’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

In her career, Amelia Duhon supports both students and teachers. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I enjoy living a life of service and support for not only students, but for teachers as well now.”

At Moss Bluff Middle, she also serves as a Beta co-sponsor and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Program) team member, and assists with Moss Bluff Middle’s eighth-grade day committee.

In Cormier’s classroom, empowerment is key. For a student to reach their full potential, they have to be independent. “They are so impressive when you give them space to share their thoughts, when you step aside and allow them to take ownership of their learning,” she said. “I believe that every student has unique strengths and talents that can be nurtured and developed throughout a supportive educational experience.”

Cormier responsibly incorporates

Gina

technology into her lessons and has recently become “pretty obsessed” with the online graphic design tool Canva.

Balancing technology and active student productivity can be tricky, Cormier said. “Technology has also been a double-edged sword… and has allowed the students to get distracted,” she explained. “I am trying to find a way to decrease their screen time and still keep kids engaged, but I work with a really great team of teachers.”

The incorporation of independence and technology creates a space that allows the students to “generate ideas, ask thoughtful questions and take an active role in their own learning,” Cormier said.

Garavito: ‘Everything

starts with a good teacher’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

While Gina Garavito is originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, she has carved out a home of her own in Lake Charles.

After graduating from Nuestra Senora del Pilar, a Catholic high school for girls, she attended La Universidad del Zulia in Maracaibo to study petroleum engineering.

Garavito

“We do this in order to improve their communication skills that they need to be successful in this society.”

Teaching ESL is fun for Garavito. Every day, she finds happiness in helping her students excel in English. She fully embodies her role as a guide. “Teaching them makes me feel like I can help them find their path in life.”

She finds herself consistently motivated by the students at SWLCA. “They bring joy and energy to my life as a teacher and make me try to be a teacher for them everyday.

In addition, she is an ELA content leader, a member of LCCA’s school leadership team and a member of the Reading Challenge team.

For Duhon, education is the key to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. To ensure that the students and

She serves as a curriculum resource teacher at Lake Charles Charter Academy, where she provides instructional coaching and curriculum support for teachers who teach third through eighth grade English language arts.

See DUHON, 11

By chance, she shifted career paths and began working with children. “Once many years ago, my friend asked me for help at the daycare where she worked. I wasn’t sure about working with kids, but I did it,” she said. “It was there that I discovered that I loved working with kids.”

She has been in the area for four years and teaches English as a second language (ESL) at Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy. She teaches students in kindergarten to eighth grade. She also serves as the assistant president of the Spanish Club.

She helps the students with their English by practicing listening, reading and speaking with them using apps and targeted materials and activities.

She strives to make the experience enjoyable for her students as well.

“I just want to make education for children easy and fun so that they will never forget what they learned.”

In Garavito’s eyes, the most important thing that a teacher can do is provide a child with affection and actively serve as a role model. “It is not always easy, but if you really love what you are doing, it is going to work.”

“Never forget, everything starts with a good teacher.”

Cormier

PROGRESS

Leslie Gurley: ‘I feel a need to set the bar high and keep it there’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Twenty-six years ago, Leslie Moore Gurley found herself thrust into the world of education.

“My friend and mentor, Margaret Goode, knew that I spoke Spanish and asked me to take someone’s sabbatical position for a year,” she recalled. “My youngest was in second grade and I was bored and felt that I could do anything for a year.”

Gurley is a self-described “Army

DUHON

Continued from 10

teachers at LCCA are able to learn and teach efficiently, she works to create a space where they feel safe, valued and supported.

“I believe that education should foster empathy, respect, compassion

brat who married a Navy submariner.” She has been settled in Lake Charles now for 32 years.

She graduated from Roswell High School in Roswell, Ga., before attending the University of Georgia to earn a Bachelor’s of Arts in anthropology. She then earned a Master’s in Business Administration in International Business from Georgia State University.

After finding a love for teaching,

and social accountability.”

Contributing to this mission is something she enjoys. “The joy that can be felt when a child finally understands something, or you have a breakthrough with them is a feeling that cannot be put into words,” she said. “To share knowledge, love, compassion and care to children who desperately need it, and then have them

she received her teachers certification from McNeese State University.

The first year of her teaching career she taught at Westlake High School. For the next 19 years, she taught at Iowa High School. She is now closing out her sixth year as a gifted advanced studies teacher at Iowa, Westlake, LaGrange and Sam Houston high schools.

She is a hybrid teacher who travels to teach gifted and regular AP human geography. Her morning classes are hybrid and she streams to students at

return it back to you is the greatest blessing.”

During her time in grade school, her educators inspired her. “Everyone can probably remember that one teacher who impacted their lives, and for me, that was my seventh-grade religion teacher,” she recalled. “I can and will always remember the love, compassion and care I felt when I entered her

other schools. In the afternoons, she is housed at Sam Houston High School.

Gurley is raising future leaders.

It is a job that she takes seriously. “I feel a need to set the bar high and keep it there.”

She aims to fill her students’ gaps in education, but she doesn’t make it easy.

“Kids have not been pushed enough to learn what they are capable of. I love them and encourage them and stick with them, but they know that in the end the grade is all up to them.”

classroom, and I knew that one day I wanted others to feel how I felt when I walked into that classroom every day.”

Through the years, Duhon has learned resilience from her students. They remind her that no matter what is happening in her personal life, the students need her to “show up for them, love them and guide them on the right path.”

Gurley

PROGRESS

Kayla Lewis-Harrison: Giving back to community that raised her

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Kayla Lewis-Harrison is Southwest Louisiana born and raised.

As a graduate from LaGrange Senior High School and McNeese State University, giving back to the community that raised her is a life mission.

She aims to play a part in building a more fruitful community through teaching the youth.

“Education helps the community by shaping a better society to live in by knowing and respecting rights, law and regulations,” she explained.

This is vital, as a lack of proper schooling is a main contributing factor to wide-spread hardships. “Communities with high rates of education completion have lower crime, better

overall health and civic involvement … a lack of access to education is considered the root of poverty.”

Lewis-Harrison has been teaching for 17 years. For the past 11, she has been a second-grade Cambridge teacher at Lake Charles Charter Academy.

A Cambridge teacher differentiates learning to meet the needs of all students, she said. “We also demonstrate effective uses of digital technologies to support teaching and learning. We

DelPapa Bertrand: Witnessing student growth takes the cake

By Emily Burleigh American Press

December will mark 30 years of teaching for Andrea DelPapa Bertrand.

“The time has passed so quickly, and I am hoping to remain for a few more years.”

Though originally from Casper, Wo., she moved to Sulphur at the end of her first-grade year and considers herself a Cajun through and through.

“Even though I am not a Louisiana native, I have been here long enough that I identify as a Cajun!”

She graduated from Sulphur High School in 1988 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from McNeese State University in 1992. She went back to McNeese and earned her Master of Education in 2008.

Becoming an educator wasn’t her initial goal. “I was going to become a child psychologist. After many conversations with my advisor, I changed my major.”

After graduation, she experienced another shift.

“My original plan was to teach elementary grades, but God led me to middle school,” she explained. With her degree, she is certified to teach students in first through eighth grade.

“Although I believe I would have been very happy with the younger grades, I truly love middle schoolers — attitudes and all!”

Sans a handful of extended substitute positions early in her career — R.W. Vincent Elementary, D.S. Perkins Elementary and S.P. Arnett Middle School — Bertrand’s teaching career has been split between LeBlanc and Maplewood Middle Schools.

The first five years of her career were spent teaching math, before switching to English language arts.

Currently, she is at Maplewood teaching eighth grade ELA. She is also the Response to Intervention (RtI) Coordinator, in which she coordinates RtI student information, maintains RtI records and communicates with the RtI coordinator at the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

She also plays an active role in school-wide decision making as a

make effective use of formative and summative assessment to support the student’s learning and monitor levels of achievement and attainment.”

Using annual data, the school decides which teachers — kindergarten through eighth — will be placed in the Cambridge program.

She is also a team leader among the school’s second-grade teachers, and is a sponsor for Pep Squad and the Chargette Dance Team

Before joining the team at LCCA, she taught second grade at Combre-Fondel Elementary and English Language Arts at Sacred Heart Catholic School.

In a full circle moment, she was inspired to become a teacher by her own second-grade teacher, Clwo Moffett.

Andrea

member of the Maplewood Middle Leadership Team.

Bertrand loves every aspect of being an educator; however, witnessing student growth takes the cake.

“There is so much that adults can learn from our youth if we engage them in conversation,” she explained. “I do love witnessing them grow intellectually, but more so I enjoy seeing their disequilibrium change to confidence.”

In her classroom, no question asked is a bad question and every student is worthwhile.

“She was smart and beautiful with a caring heart.”

This inspiration was solidified while she was in college. She went to school to earn a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in family and child studies, but settled into a career in education while working as a substitute teacher.

She is motivated by her passion to promote growth in her students.

“What I enjoy about education is the ability to nurture young minds and inspire them to have self-confidence required for them to succeed in school and life.”

She does this by raising the bar. “My philosophy as an educator is to hold students to high expectations and teach them that learning goes beyond the classroom.”

Lauren ‘Paige’

Lirette: Looks for the positive

By Emily Burleigh America Press

Teaching fell into the lap of Lauren “Paige” Lirette “in the most wonderful way possible” in 2017.

After graduating from college, she found herself seeking direction. “I just wasn’t sure of the direction that I wanted to go with my career.”

She was waitressing at night, and decided to commit her days to substituting. It didn’t take long for the Calcasieu Parish School District to notice her. “I was a sub one singular day in a classroom before CPSB called me asking if I was interested in a position teaching Spanish.”

At McNeese, she earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in Spanish. After a couple of years

See

Lewis-Harrison

DelPapa Bertrand

FOUNDED IN DERIDDER

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Today, AMERISAFE is in the top 10 of publicly traded companies located in Louisiana based on market capitalization. The company operates in 27 states and employs some 380 people. It is led by President and CEO Janelle Frost, who was born and raised in Oberlin. Frost has spent her entire professional career at AMERISAFE, starting as a staff accountant and working her way up through the ranks.

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Safety is a primary focus at AMERISAFE, providing safety training and resources to policyholders so they can reduce exposure to accidents. Importantly, the Field Safety Professionals are located in the same areas as the policyholders so they can provide in-person guidance and make practical recommendations. With valuable on the ground experience, AMERISAFE understands the unique challenges its policyholders face.

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Field Case Managers carry low claims workloads to allow them to provide policyholders and their injured workers with highly personalized service, facilitating prompt resolution of claims.

Individualized, informed service sets AMERISAFE apart from other providers and continues to make AMERISAFE a preferred workers’ compensation provider today.

PROGRESS LIRETTE

Continued from 12

of teaching under her belt, in 2019 she returned to McNeese to earn her Master’s of Arts in teaching.

She has taught at several Calcasieu Parish schools: Washington-Marion High, Iowa Middle, Iowa High, Oak Park Middle, DeQuincy Middle, DeQuincy Elementary, Sam Houston High and F.K. White Middle.

At these schools, she taught Spanish for grades four through 12th – and at one point 11th grade English. Currently, she teaches Spanish for sixth, seventh and eighth grades at F.K. White.

After a few months, Lirette fell in love with the profession, students and the impact she is able to make.

Teaching checks the five boxes she had for her dream career: Working with people, making a difference in the lives of those people, new daily adventures, a schedule that allowed her to raise a family and a way to make people happier.

“Working as an educator met these desires I had for a career and has been more fulfilling than any other job that I could possibly have.”

Her students keep her motivated. “Each student I’ve taught across the eight campuses I’ve had the honor of working in has been my inspiration to continue teaching and improve myself.”

As her students learn, she learns. Through their feedback, positive and negative, Lirette gains the knowledge she needs to be an effective educator. “Every word they write down, every lesson they learn, every lightbulb moment helps me understand how to improve myself so they can improve themselves.”

She is certain all students can flourish, so long as the right systems are in place for them. However, these systems need to meet the student where they are at. “Success is not linear and will not look the same for each child … any amount of effort poured into these students is effort well spent.”

For Lirette, education is an investment in both the individual and the community, stating it is something that “cannot be given, and once earned, cannot be taken.”

“When we have educated members of our community, it improves how our community functions, how we treat one another, and how we teach our own children about the importance of education.”

Brady Bryant: I love seeing a student evolve

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lake Charles native Brady Bryant attributes his career to divine intervention. In his youth, he never thought he would be teaching; however when he was an adult and felt lost, he found his calling. “God led me to this profession at a time when I was at a real crossroads in my life,” he explained. “And I definitely took the road less traveled to get here!”

“This is truly a calling from above.”

However, his late band director, Henry “Huck” Thomas, and other teachers throughout the years planted the seed of inspiration in him while he was in school. “Huck had a great influence on my life. I had some tremendous educators who didn’t pull punches with me. They helped me to be the man I am today.”

He has spent the last 13 years teaching at a variety of schools. In addition to schools in St. Landry Parish, he has taught at Washington-Marion (his alma mater) and currently, Lake Charles College Prep, Lake Charles

Charter Academy and Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy. He is the director of bands and teaches fine arts survey and music appreciation.

As director for the schools, he is tasked with the “beginning and continued development of young musicians in instrumental music.”

His musicians travel across Louisiana and Mississippi to perform in competitions, parades and concerts.

Witnessing the development of students while they are in band and music classes is the part of teaching that Bryant loves. “I love seeing a kid evolve from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can.’ ”

He makes sure his students can see their own progress so that they feel confident. “I make it my business to remind them of where they were vs. where they are in order for them to

see what’s possible when you give it 110 percent.”

He himself is an example of what confidence and drive can accomplish. “I was tasked with building something out of nothing with little to no resources or feeder programs,” he recalled. “So it took a special group of kids to see an intangible vision and trust me and each other that we could carry it out. They truly exceeded my expectations and it has so much to do with the mindset we adopted.”

For Bryant, movement is everything. “You can’t rise to where you’re already standing!”

His students keep him young. “We’ve shared so many laughs and even more tears.”

They also keep him informed. A practice in Bryant’s bandroom is one-on-one time with his students; he takes the time to ask questions about their lives, goals and observations. “Many times I already know the answers, but I love to listen to them collaborate on how to resolve issues and how we as an organization can be better.”

Erika Braxter: Longtime sub to full-time educator

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Despite only having seven years of teaching experience, Erika Braxter, has already made her mark.

She was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but has lived in Southwest Louisiana for 48 years, attending LaGrange High School and McNeese State University.

The educator’s path began with long-term substitute teaching. She said there were two principals, Deborah Garrick and Sharon Ruffin-Hardy, who encouraged her to pursue a more permanent career in education.

“They told me how vital I could be to the education system.”

She is currently enrolled in iTeachLouisiana, an online alternative teaching certification program.

Her time as a substitute was not the first time that she considered be-

coming an educator, however. Her first-grade teacher, who she lovingly referred to as Mrs. Brannon, was a life-long inspiration. “She left a lasting impression that inspired me to become a teacher.”

In fact, the bonds and relationships like that one she developed with Brannon are her favorite part about being a teacher.

In under 10 years, she has already seen the effect she has had on her students. “I have parents of students I taught four years ago who still call me and ask for help. That lets me know I

left a great lasting impression.”

It is Braxter’s philosophy that when an individual takes on the role of educator, they become responsible for the students’ growth.

She currently teaches pre-kindergarten at Barbe Elementary, and has previously taught at Ralph Wilson Elementary, Combre-Fondel Elementary, John. J Johnson Elementary and Ray D. Molo Middle. She is also a member of the PBIS and ATP committees at Barbe Elementary.

She believes every student is able to learn, but some of them have different needs and methods to do so. “I believe all students are capable of learning and need a teacher who is willing to put in the necessary time to help each student achieve their goal,” she explained. “I have a duty and responsibility to each student to help them learn to the best of their ability.”

Brady Bryant

Erika Braxter

Katherine Clophus: Instilling students with a love of learning

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Sulphur native Katherine Clophus has served as an educator and administrator at Sulphur High School for 15 years.

She previously taught three science classes — biology, environmental science and physical science — and is now the principal of the school’s 9th grade campus.

After graduating from SHS herself, Clophus attended LSU. She then moved back to Sulphur, got married and started her family. She came to realize that working was a necessity for her. “I quickly realized I was not the stay at home type but I was not sure what I wanted to do.”

Throughout her life, she was encouraged by her mom to look into education as a career. For years my mom would say, you would be a great teacher. I was not so sure.”

Despite hesitation, she attended McNeese for her masters (and eventu-

Breann

By Emily Burleigh American Press

ally Liberty University for her doctorate). While finishing up her masters program, she learned about an open science position at SHS. “I went in for an interview with Mrs. Barbara Culpepper and was hired on the spot,” she recalled. “She tells me now that she just knew I would be good in the classroom.”

In her current position, Clophus supports both students and teachers.

For students, she works to create an environment for them to “learn, grow, and feel safe.”

“I want students to feel that school

Shelton:

Breann Shelton has learned the act of resiliency from her students.

“Gosh, kids are so resilient. They bounce back and forgive so easily in the younger years, and they teach me to hold on to that,” she said. “When it’s hard, they pick it up and do it again the next day and the next. Because of them, I must do the same.”

In her nine years as an educator, she has come to learn that the life of an educator isn’t always easy. “Our work becomes so overwhelming, the demands are growing,” she said.

She has also learned that the relationships that are built between educators and their students are grounding. “Those eyes that you look into need you in some capacity and the interactions you have can change that child’s life forever. That’s what keeps us going.”

She experienced the positive effects

is something that is happening with them and not something that is happening to them.”

Her mission when working with students is to give them perspective. “I enjoy getting them to see life in different ways, getting them to understand the importance of education and why we push so hard,” she said.

She ensures that their education extends into their everyday lives through life lessons.

In fact, instilling her students with a love for learning outside of the classroom is a priority for Clophus. She sees this work as a surefire way to create an educated community.

“My goal was to always reach students, to get them to believe in themselves, to urge them to reach higher, for some to fight their way out of their current circumstances using education as the weapon.

“I encourage all students to get some sort of post-secondary training. Not everyone will follow the same path and that is OK, but get trade school

training, go to hair school, barber school, on the job training, four-year university,” she explained. “Find what fits for you and pursue it. It takes us all for a community to thrive.”

The students on Sulphur High’s 9th grade campus enrich her, and she sees this as a blessing. “They make me laugh and sometimes I cry, but in all of it they teach me lessons about life that sometimes I didn’t know I needed … teenagers have so much more to offer than what social media would suggest.”

Working with the educators on campus is one of her favorite parts of the job. Clophus makes it a point to ensure their jobs are as easy as possible. “My job is to make sure all they have to worry about is delivering meaningful instruction to all students.”

She gives them the space they need to flourish by taking to heart their opinions and suggestions, and using them to make thoughtful decisions for the campus.

‘Interactions you have can change a child’s life forever’

of a good educator first hand. Her fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Acker molded her into the teacher she is today by creating an accepting environment where every student was, and felt, valued.

“Every student in her class was more than a number and the relationship I built with her that year was what solidified my passion.”

Acker would let Shelton stay after school (and sometimes stop by on weekends) to help her grade papers, plan lessons and organize the classroom.

“She poured so much into me when she didn’t have to and I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to be.”

Shelton can’t remember a time in her life that she didn’t want to be a teacher. “I was born to teach,” she recalled. “There was never a time where my passion wavered, but there were times my fire was ignited even more.”

She is Lake Charles born and raised and a Barbe High School graduate.

She kept her education local and attended McNeese State University to earn her Bachelor’s of Science in elementary education. Recently, she also graduated with a master’s in teacher leadership.

In less than a decade, her role in education has evolved. She started her career at LeBleu Settlement Elementary, where she taught second grade for three years. “At LeBleu, I worked with some of the most knowledgeable educators which inspired me to take that knowledge and make an impact in other schools in the district.”

She has also taught at Combre Fondel Elementary as a third grade ELA (English language arts) and mentor teacher, Dolby Elementary as a second-grade teacher and College Oaks Elementary as a literacy coach.

Now, she is back at Dolby as the curriculum coordinator.

In this role, she is not limited to one classroom, and she loves her ability to reach and build relationships with students throughout Dolby, despite most of her time being spent supporting and assisting teachers with curriculum.

“Before, I had at most 23 students every year. Now I have hundreds,” she explained. “Knowing every kid by name, knowing their strengths and goals and getting to play a role in impacting them through the work we do in PLC (a professional learning community) is something I have dreamed of doing since becoming an educator and I get to live it, every single day.”

Katherine Clophus

Breann Shelton

Sara Jolie: Second act as a SHHS educator

By Emily Burleigh American Press

For the past 23 years, Sara Abbott Jolie has dedicated her time, energy and skills to Sam Houston High School.

In 2000, she got hired on as the family and consumer science teacher and remained in that role for 14 years. As the family and consumer science teacher, she taught SHHS students about applicable life skills, such as parenthood education, nutrition and food, housing and interior design and career and technical education.

Her goal, she said, was to give students the vital life skills that they could carry with them forever. “Through 14 years of family and consumer science classes, my students learned independence, goal-setting skills, responsibility, how to care for their families and the importance of becoming productive citizens of our community.

She knows she did her job well; her former students reach out. “It is extremely rewarding to hear from these same ‘kids’ 20 years later, how they are still using their family and consumer science skills.”

After getting certified in library science from McNeese

State University, she moved into the role of library media specialist, and has been there ever since. She considers her current era the second act of her career.

“Act II has afforded me the opportunity to not only continue teaching, but to reach even more students ... and to play a more active role in our school community as a high school librarian.”

She has made it a mission to make the library a hub for all facets of education. “I take pride in the Bronco Library being an accessible, welcoming environment with a diverse collection of materials to inspire our students to read.”

A primary focus for Jolie (and the advice that she gives to her fellow teacher) is to be aware of the humanity of her students. “They will sit in your classroom on good days and bad, just like you.”

“You have the power to lift up the most defeated kid, aid the neediest kid and celebrate the successes with all your kids, because they will become your kids.”

She holds three school leadership positions: Peer Initiated Leader of Tomorrow (PILOT), Peer Support Team Advisor and co-founder Big

Sam’s Closet. Though she is a leader, she attributes the success of these programs to the students who participate.

PILOT is a Calcasieu Parish School Board student-led teen suicide prevention advocacy group program that creates safe spaces for students facing challenges that no teen should have to experience.

“Within SHHS’s PILOT Club and Peer Support Team, members will discover a place where all students are not only welcomed and respected but will experience a totally unique group of students who strive to educate, advocate and provide support to those struggling with mental illness, suicidal thoughts, bullying, etc.,” she said.

She co-founded Big Sam’s Closet to provide SHHS students with necessary supplies anonymously. The program provides students with food, school supplies, uniforms and hygiene products.

Sowela Spotlight: Process Technology Instructor Doug VanDyke

After 34 years in the oil and gas industry, Doug VanDyke found himself pondering retirement.

“I read a book before retiring that caused me to think more about the intrinsic value of work,” said VanDyke. “Things like a schedule, social value, and the challenge to learn something new. I started to really consider what my life would look like beyond my current career.”

He knew he wanted to give back and had always believed in education, so teaching seemed like the next best step. After punching the clock for the final time, he took some time off and then reached out to a Process Technology Instructor at Sowela Technical Community College.

“As a mechanical engineer, I gave operators the information they needed to work effectively,” said VanDyke. “I wanted to help students early on in their career to avoid equipment failure in the future. I saw the importance of safety and wanted to share what I had learned.”

In 2016, VanDyke’s first semester at Sowela began with two classes as an adjunct instructor but grew into a full-time 9-month faculty position. He has taught Introduction to Safety, Systems, Physics and Fluid Dynamics to name a few.

“The most rewarding part of the job is working with students who had difficulties,” he said. “Perhaps they tried to make a living some other way and concluded that they wanted to become operators to better support their families. A bonus is seeing these students in the community or back on campus for a visit in their uniforms, proud to show us they made it.”

Once again, VanDyke is eyeing retirement with plans to exit the classroom this May, but he leaves fulfilled.

“I would encourage anyone wanting to give back to make education a second career,” said VanDyke. “Your time spent teaching the next generation may not span decades, but the impact made is lifelong.”

•

Sara Jolie

VanDyke

Chelsea Lachey Taylor: Teaching runs in the family

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Chelsea Lachey Taylor is following in her mother’s footsteps.

Her mom, Dianne Landix Taylor, was an educator for 30 years, and inspired her to pursue the same career.

“I am so appreciative of my mom that I wouldn’t know what to do without her fueling my passion for being the best educator. My mom is my role model, she uplifts me and is always there when I need her, I strive to be a phenomenal educator like her.”

Chelsea Taylor was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and grew up in Lafayette. After graduating from Acadiana High School, she took root in Lake Charles to attend college.

Even before earning her Bachelor’s of Arts in family and child studies from McNeese State University and graduating Summa Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University with a master’s in early childhood education, Taylor

learned how to be an educator from her mom.

“I have watched my mom teach and mold so many generations and dedicate so much of her life to this career that she definitely played an intricate role in my life. Her passion, dedication and effort she puts into her career are unwavering.”

This August, Chelsea will begin her seventh year as a second-grade teacher at Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy.

The past three of those years, she has taught the Cambridge second grade class, where she provides a

“high-quality, conducive learning environment with differentiated instruction, integrated technology and new ways to be innovative with engaging lessons where students exceed their expectations,” she said.

She has also spent four years as one of the cheer sponsors.

She takes on each day as a fresh opportunity to help her students reach their highest potential.

“I love making a difference, watching my students grow and shaping their futures in a positive way. When a teacher is passionate about learning, that enthusiasm can spread like wildfire and ignite a passion for learning in every student.”

She is committed to continuously “fine-tuning” her craft, and considers herself a lifelong learner. Her students help along this journey as she continues to grow as an educator.

They also make the classroom a brighter space.

“My students contribute so much to our classroom through their smiles, hugs, laughter, respect, friendships and daily drawings, which makes it so easy to get through anything.”

Integrity is a priority in Taylor’s classroom, as she serves as both an educator and a role model.

“It is my responsibility as their teacher to show them that I am a person of high moral character and show that I can not only make choices for myself, but smart choices for the students I instruct.”

She knows that every one of her students are capable of learning, despite differences in their upbringing, personality and situations. She makes choices to curate an environment where students “feel safe and welcome, and ready to learn” by being not only empathetic, but strategic in her teaching, utilizing differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs among her students.

Diane Purdy: Getting to know students is one of her favorite things

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Dianne L. Purdy has lived in Southwest Louisiana since she was in the seventh grade. For the last 13 of those years, she has been a dedicated full-time paraprofessional.

After leaving a career in retail management in 2005, she entered the educator’s path as a substitute teacher at Cooley Elementary School and as a library substitute at M.J. Kaufman Elementary School. Eventually, she moved to Moss Bluff with her family and substituted at Moss Bluff Elementary.

In 2011, she was offered a paraprofessional position at the school by the principal – lovingly called Mr. C – just three days before teacher in-service began; accepting the position wasn’t a hard decision.

“After being a substitute for regular education, and the SPED section, when the offer came along, I accept-

ed the position because I enjoyed making a difference in the students’ lives.”

Two years later, she moved to College Oaks Elementary for a position as an E/C autism paraprofessional. She was paired with “the greatest person” she could have been teamed up with, Ash Brooke Gotreau.

“We went on to learn from each other and our students, and we became a great team with all of our students.”

Purdy graduated from LaGrange High School in 1972 and has received certification through Lamar University, but Purdy considers herself self-trained.

“A lot of that I have learned has been through reading and attending any training classes that I am allowed to attend.”

Much of her skillset was also developed during her time in retail. “While working as a retail manager,

I enjoyed training the high school students.” She also gained experience as a Girl Scout leader and religious class teacher.

As an E/C autism paraprofessional, she assists teachers during lessons and helps to keep her students on task during one-on-one sessions, all while teaching them self-help skills.

With the new school year on the horizon, Purdy will get to experience one of her favorite parts of the job, getting to know her students. Every school year is an opportunity for her to see active progress and fulfilled potential in her students.

“I enjoy seeing new students from the first day. We get to meet them and learn what they comprehend, and then see where they are on the last day of school.”

She said that on a day-to-day basis, she loves “just seeing the spark, the look of understanding” that her students give her.

Chelsea Lachey Taylor

Special to the American Press

Dianne L. Purdy with grandson Kayden K. Mark and husband Timothy K. Purdy.

PROGRESS

Lorri Caldwell: Coordinator of gifted and advanced studies

By Emily Burleigh American Press

After working as an insurance claims adjuster for 11 years, Lorri Caldwell fell into a career as a teacher.

The company she worked for began relocating all their local employees. Sulphur born-and-raised, Caldwell was determined to not leave Lake Charles — so she picked up substitute teaching.

“I knew immediately that I wanted to be a teacher, and I loved the middle school level. Being in the classroom was like finding what I didn’t know I was missing. It was just such fun sharing my love of literature and writing with the students and watching them grow and learn.”

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from McNeese State University in 1994. After making the decision to become an educator she went back to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), an alternative certification program housed at McNeese created for those with a bachelor’s

degree outside of education that plan to become a teacher. She didn’t stop there.

In 2015, she earned her gifted certification, and in December 2022 she graduated with a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree from Liberty University.

She is 17 years into the gig.

She started at S.J. Welsh Middle School, where she taught seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts (ELA). She moved to F.K. White Middle School in 2013 to teach all three grade levels Gifted ELA, and to Barbe High School in 2021 to teach Gifted English II for one year.

She is no longer in the classroom, and currently serves as administrative coordinator of gifted and advanced studies for the Calcasieu Parish School Board. In this role, she and her team manage the gifted programs at all grade levels, including SPARK. They also oversee advanced learning programs like Advanced Placement and training for high school teachers.

Education is the gateway to life and all it has to offer, and building that gate is what Caldwell enjoys about her career.

“No matter what goals a student may have, teachers can offer educational support to that student to help them grow and learn. Education does not have to be the same for every person. It develops, evolves and changes just as students do. The joy in watching a student grow and knowing that you helped that student is just priceless.”

This joy was a daily occurrence, and though she isn’t in the classroom any-

more, she gets to experience it again through the successes of her former students.

“I loved teaching, and I love seeing prior students now and hearing what they are doing and accomplishing in their lives. They remind me that teaching was always about the love of learning and creating a community of learners.”

A strong community of learners leads to a productive community of citizens, she said. The programming offered by CPSB paves that way for the growth that “builds back into communities” through the “multitude of programs with so many different educational pathways” that are offered throughout the district, she said.

“Students have the amazing opportunity to pursue learning in educational fields that interest them and can then, in turn, use that education to build their own successes in life and become an active member of the community.”

CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

CPSB students are provided with a multitude of opportunities in innovation and academic excellence Improved curriculum through the effect ve use of technology accountability, assessment, instruction, and profess onal deve opment are impacted by multiple district projects

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With over 4,700 employees and 2 600 teachers, CPSB is the largest employer in the parish With ongoing professional development opportun ties and a culture of high achievement, CPSB exemplifies a diverse workforce with a passion for publ c education and its students

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Lorri Caldwell

Lori Young: ‘The hat an administrator wears can vary moment by moment’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Teaching has always been a part of the life of Maplewood Elementary Principal Lori Young.

“I have fond early memories of playing ‘school’ as a young child … God created a teacher when he created me.”

The importance of a good education — specifically college — was taught to Young by her parents.

“My parents’ inability to attend college themselves inspired them to set a goal for my sister and I to pursue higher education. Their determination to provide me with opportunities they didn’t have themselves instilled in me a strong desire to succeed academically and professionally.”

Both she and her husband graduated from DeQuincy High School. She then went on to attend Mc-

Neese State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in education, and later her master’s degree in educational leadership.

She has been an educator for 22 years, and started out at Combre-Fondel Elementary and R.W. Vincent Elementary.

One of the reasons she chose education as a career path is the flexibility it allows in family planning.

“It provided a schedule that aligned well with raising a family.”

After the birth of her twin daughters, she made the decision to stay home to raise her family. When her youngest child reached kindergarten, she returned to teaching.

“The kindergartner is also now a Sulphur teacher at W.W. Lewis Middle.”

Most of her career has been spent at Vincent Settlement Ele-

mentary.

In 2014, she made the switch to administration, and began serving as assistant principal there, as well as at Moss Bluff Elementary.

Just a year later, she was named principal of Vinton Elementary. She served there for eight years before moving to Maplewood Elementary School in 2022.

As principal, she serves as the “lead learner.” In her role, she guides not only her faculty, staff and students towards growth, but herself as well.

“The hat an administrator wears can vary moment by moment.”

These hats can range from providing resources, keeping up to date with research and offering “unwavering support to facilitate a positive and nurturing learning atmosphere for all.”

Lauren Byrd: Enjoying her dream job as a PE teacher

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lauren Byrd, 43, relishes her time in the school gymnasium with her students.

She teaches physical education to early elementary students at South Beauregard Elementary, and it is a dream come true.

Byrd graduated from Barbe High School in 1997 and went on to attend McNeese State University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance with a minor in adapted physical education. She later earned her Masters of Education in educational technology.

She entered the field with the intention of becoming a coach. However, during her time as a student teacher, she fell in love with elementary education and decided an elementary gym is

where she wanted to end up. It is a goal she achieved quickly. After three years at Barbe High School, she was given an opportunity to teach PE at St. John Elementary, where she taught for 16 years.

“Being able to do that in year four of teaching was such a blessing. I learned so much in my time at St. John and was able to bring that with me to South Beauregard Elementary.

She has been at that campus teaching students in kindergarten through third grade for two years. Last year, she was selected as the school’s Teacher of the Year and the Beauregard Parish School Board Elementary Teacher of

the Year.

She loves teaching at the elementary level because she plays a part in building various foundational skills in her students.

“I love being able to reach the kids early and help them develop a love of fitness but my main goal is to help them just learn to be a good human being. By teaching conflict resolution and character traits throughout the school year I am hopefully able to do just that.”

As a PE teacher, her saying is “Learn to Move… Move to Learn.”

“I want them to learn the right way to do things and get them moving so when they return to class they are ready to learn.”

Byrd enjoys her role as an enrichment teacher because her area of influence is not limited to one classroom. She has the chance to reach all

students.

Her job doesn’t feel like work because it is something she truly loves, she said.

“It brings me great joy to watch a student become successful at something they have been unsuccessful at thus far. Whether it is jumping rope, skipping or learning to be a better teammate and friend.”

Raising and educating kids takes a village, and physical education is no exception, she said.

“Children are learning how to be involved in the community by observing parents, teachers and community members. They all play a part in the students’ education. Especially here at South Beau the community is very involved in all aspects of education. They are very welcoming and willing to help whenever and wherever is needed.”

Maplewood Elementary Principal Lori Young

Lauren Byrd

PROGRESS

Joshua Beard: Positive vibes inspiring students inside, outside of classroom

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Joshua Beard makes his lessons memorable. Otherwise, his students wouldn’t remember the lesson. That’s what he believes.

“You don’t often get inspired by the ‘Wah Wah’ teacher from Charlie Brown. You get inspired by the teacher who jumps on the desk, you get inspired by the teacher who sings, you get inspired by the teacher who allows you to share your thoughts and voice your opinions … you get inspired by the teacher who challenges you, you get inspired by the teacher who shows you he or she cares.”

Beard brings this attitude to the classroom with the goal of teaching his students how to “try.” Students in his classes face challenges, and should expect to fail in the most spectacular way at some point. For Beard, with failure comes growth and learning.

“This simply means that there will

YOUNG

Continued from 22

Building a productive educational space is a joyful experience for Young.

“I enjoy the opportunity to build collective teacher efficacy, the shared belief that, together, we have the capacity to positively impact student learning.”

She and her team always make sure the job gets done, but they like to keep the energy light. They find ways to “infuse elements of fun and creativity” into each school day. This makes learning a more memorable and enjoyable adventure for everyone.”

The best part for Young, however, is the strong relationships she has built with students and staff.

“It is incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to contribute to their growth and success… The feeling of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I interact with is what keeps me passionate about being an educator.”

Her educator’s philosophy is “rooted in constructivism,” with an emphasis on the importance of active learning and hands-on experiences that support deep learning and com-

come a day in my class when they can’t do something correctly the first time and maybe even several attempts after that. Many students are of the belief that failure is a bad thing. I try to get them to understand that a failure, aka a mistake, is simply an opportunity for them to find a better way.”

He graduated from Rosepine High School and made his way to Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in history with a minor in political science. He later went on to earn his Master’s of Education in secondary social studies education

Teaching wasn’t a career goal that Beard always had, but it is one that

prehension. Providing students with such a high-quality education in their early years is vital.

“I often use the analogy that if we worked in a factory building boxes and my staff fell behind, we’d simply produce fewer boxes. However, education isn’t about assembling boxes; it’s about shaping the futures of children. Falling behind can significantly impact a child’s life trajectory. As educators, we don’t have the luxury of ‘do overs.’ Every day, every moment, and every student’s experience is precious.”

Ensuring students receive exceptional education also benefits her neighborhood by instilling future generations with empathy, social unity and critical thinking.

“Education plays a pivotal role in enhancing and strengthening our Sulphur community. It equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to become effective citizens.”

Young’s days are filled with happiness thanks to her students.

“My elementary students’ candid nature ensures that I never have to second-guess their thoughts. Their presence brings laughter and humility to my days, reminding me of the pure joy in teaching children.”

worked well for him.

“After graduating from high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I just knew I didn’t want to be bored. I also wanted to have a career that allowed me to keep horses and cattle.”

He considered becoming a horse trainer or a big animal veterinarian, but the freedom and free time that being an educator seemed to provide him led him to his decision.

“I felt that teaching and coaching would allow me the opportunity to continue exploring my education, as well as afford me the time to work with cattle and horses. I later realized the time I thought I would have as a teacher and coach was not the reality that many people believe.”

He was also inspired by his teachers and loved ones. His mom, two aunts and wife served as great examples, as well as the teachers he had while he was in school.

Eighteen years of his life have

been committed to teaching, and has spent almost every second doing so in DeRidder.

He said he has taught almost every mathematics class — from Algebra I and II to financial math. This year, his teaching schedule consists of a dual enrollment course, AP Physics I, two weights and conditioning periods and two innovative engineering courses.

Beard is a “de facto engineering department head,” and has had a hand in the development of a pre-engineering program that utilizes the Project Lead the Way curriculum.

The first class that was introduced in the program was Introduction to Engineering Design. This year, they introduced Principles of Engineering. He teaches both of these classes.

Next year, the capstone course, Engineering Design and Development will be available for students to take. The non-stop nature of his job keeps him going.

Beard

PROGRESS

Kasha Deason: First students were her stuffed animals

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Kasha Deason holds the connections and relationships she has formed during her time as a student and a teacher close to her heart.

She grew up in Ragley and attended South Beauregard. Her time in school was pleasant and her experiences were “filled with both nostalgia and adventure.”

She was first inspired to become an educator by her elementary school teacher Mrs. Irwin. She recalled turning her childhood bedroom into a classroom, with her stuffed animals and younger sisters being her students.

“There was a light dusting of chalk all over everything from writing on my chalkboard that hung behind my door … from the age of 5, it became clear that God wanted me to become a teacher.”

She also credits her love for teaching to her middle school teachers Mr. McGee, Mrs. Newsome and Mr. Parker and high school teachers Mr. Reigel, Mrs. Thornton, Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Mouhot and Mrs. Reeves.

“All those classroom teachers showed love, support and patience which would later set a strong foundation for me when I made it to that milestone as a teacher.”

Deason graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in 1999 and became certified for lower elementary grades one through four and elementary grades one

through eight in 2000.

She has taught at South Beauregard schools for 24 years, and has evolved alongside them. She started teaching fourth-grade math and science at South Beauregard Elementary in 2000. In 2006, she moved up to teaching seventh and eighth grade earth and life science at South Beauregard Junior High School.

Six years later, she was asked to teach sixth grade at the new South Beauregard Upper Elementary. That is where she has been since.

“I absolutely love where God has placed me.”

She said the love between a teacher and a student is not unlike the bond between a parent and a child.

“It is a wonderful feeling that someone is in your corner fighting to see you become a successful person. Teachers have the power to make or break a student and I saw that with my teachers.”

Candice Plummer: She embraces role as mentor teacher for new educators

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Candice Plummer became a teacher to help others and make a difference in the lives of students and the community as a whole.

During her life, she received positive support and feedback. She aims to provide the same impactful moments for her students.

Her mom was her first inspiration. After graduating from Barbe High School in 2003, Plummer attended McNeese State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in elementary education. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree, and her mom helped her persevere when she didn’t believe in herself.

“She was my biggest supporter my entire life. She encouraged me, especially during college and those first couple years of teaching when I was struggling.”

In 2021, she went back to Mc-

Neese to get her mentor certification. Now, she is a Calcasieu Parish School Board mentor leader and mentor teacher for new educators. She also is a host teacher for McNeese residents. She was drawn to take on this larger role because of the peer guidance she received from her guide, Linda Bellow.

“She embraced this unofficial role and took me under her wing. I would have never survived my first few years of teaching without my most amazing co-worker and mentor.”

Her fifth-grade teacher, Martha Damien, also played a strong role by building a foundation of confidence.

“I wasn’t the best behaved or smartest student, but she made me feel important, valued and loved.”

Plummer also credits one of her high school English teachers for encouraging her by commending her for her writing skills.

“I didn’t think of writing as a

strength, however once she gave me the compliment, I believed her.”

She has made it her responsibility to pass the kindness and encouragement she received forward to her students.

“I know that if these teachers had such a profound impact on me, I could become an educator and possibly have the same positive impact on my students.”

She has taught in the Calcasieu school district for 15 years. After student teaching at St. John Elementary, she began her career at Oak Park Elementary, where she stayed for eight and a half years.

She has now been at Kaufman Elementary for seven years. She taught third grade for a short stint before switching to first grade.

Teaching is rewarding, challenging and full of adventure, she said. Her hard work was recognized during the 2022-23 school year when she was named Kaufman’s Teacher of the Year.

At South Beauregard, teachers and administrators have created a healthy, bright work environment and unbreakable bonds. This makes Deason’s job a second home.

“They make work so fun that I wouldn’t even call it work on most days. They really are like family and take care of me and we take care of each other. We have had too many valleys to cross to climb a mountain, just to go back down in the valley, but we always figure out a way!

She believes that taking the time to build positive relationships with peers, students and parents is something every teacher should prioritize.

“Building strong connections creates a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, fosters trust, and enhances the overall learning experience. I feel like if you can do this, this is 75 percent of the battle already won. Kids need to know you really care and are invested in them.”

Kasha Deason

Candice Plummer

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PROGRESS

Misti Perkins: Creativity, problem-solving inseparable skills

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lake Charles native Misti Perkins nurtures all-around growth within students and aims to promote learning in all aspects of their lives.

“I believe in the importance of social and emotional growth as well as academics in the classroom. I teach the whole child in my classroom.”

Perkins teaches visual arts at LeBlanc Middle School, and uses her natural teaching and artistic talents to help her students explore their own artistry.

“As an artist, I have always seen the world differently. I wanted to use my gift to allow my students a safe place to express themselves, and think creatively.”

While she was in school, she was “a bright student that sometimes got a little restless.”

“Every paper I turned in was full of doodles.”

Now, she aims to allow her students to be bright and a bit restless in her art classroom. “Art is important for the kids to learn because it helps them

outside of the box, they are more prepared for any problem in any facet of life.”

For Perkins, this is vital.

Consistent learning is another important piece of an efficient education. This belief was instilled in her by one of her grandparents.

“My Granny always said, ‘If you learn something new everyday your day is not wasted.’ ”

Teaching runs in the family. Her grandmother, Leona Moriarty, was a teacher at Barbe Elementary School until she retired. Her cousin, Stefani Guidry, is a math teacher at Maplewood Middle School.

Before becoming a teacher herself, Perkins would substitute for her cousin’s class. This experience encouraged her to pursue a career in education.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in art education from McNeese State University. Following in her cousin’s footsteps, she began her teaching career as a sixth grade math teacher at Vinton Middle School before entering her current role at LeBlanc Middle.

Perkins has now been a teacher for 10 years. At LeBlanc, she is also a yearbook and Beta Club sponsor.

In all her endeavors as an educator, she wants to curate a space for her students to create happy memories. She doesn’t take for granted the importance special moments hold for students.

visualize the world around them.”

Students need these skills to have a fully-fleshed out educational experience.

“Creativity and problem-solving are inseparable skills. When students become comfortable with thinking

“I really enjoyed her classes and it reminded me how much fun middle school math was to learn.”

Her own children solidified her decision.

“As a mother, you are your child’s first teacher. I was amazed at how fast they would learn and grow.”

“Each year, these memories are different. For example, it may be an art piece they will cherish, an inside class joke or an experience at the Beta convention. School should be a fun place, so I am always searching for an event or activity to get them involved at school.”

Perkins believes that ultimately, the foundation of a good classroom experience is healthy relationships with students. “You will never regret loving your students,” she said.

Lillian Knisely: Each student holds a special place in her heart

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Fourth-grade math and science teacher Lillian Knisely has a love for her students that is maternal.

“Each child that I teach holds a special place in my heart. I teach each child as if they were my children.”

A career in education was not Knisely’s original goal, but it was certainly her calling.

“I originally wanted to work in health care but soon realized that wasn’t the profession for me. I then started working in a childcare center. Working in a childcare center, I realized I enjoyed teaching and caring for children.”

After graduating from Iowa High School, she attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in education.

The 2023-24 school year is her ninth year as an educator. She began her career at an elementary school in New Iberia.

After two years, she moved back to Lake Charles to teach at Fairview Elementary. She moved to J.I. Watson for a stint of four years before moving back to Fairview, where she currently teaches.

Fairview is a hub for English as a second language (ESL) education. When Knisely was in high school, she enjoyed attending Spanish and English classes. Now, she is passing that love of language learning on to her students. She is attending Lamar State University to earn a Masters in teacher

leadership with a concentration in ESL and will be graduating this fall.

In addition to teaching fourth grade at Fairview, she serves as a certified mentor teacher. In this role, she assists in guiding college students that are pursuing a career in education.

Though her path didn’t pave out the way that she originally intended, her one-on-one work with students has brought her fulfillment and joy.

In the classroom, her goal is to not only nurture her students, but herself.

“As an educator, I constantly want to learn and grow to be a better person and teacher for my students. My job is to help them grow, learn and be better humans, but they are also helping me.”

As an educator, she has the opportunity to see active growth in her students, and that is her favorite part.

“I love what I do, and I enjoy watch-

ing these amazing young people grow into the best people they can be and accomplish goals they never thought they could reach.”

She is able to boost this growth by curating a safe and welcoming classroom.

“I believe all children learn best in an environment where they feel comfortable to grow, make mistakes, and to express themselves in a judgment free environment.”

Every educator should maintain healthy connections with their students and promote forward movement within themselves, she said.

“Advice that I would give current or future educators would be to take the time and build relationships with your students. Never stopping learning and growing. Seek opportunities to develop professionally every chance you get.”

Knisely

Special to the American Press LeBlanc Middle School visual arts teacher Misti Perkins and W.W. Lewis art teacher Jason Sprick.

Christy Breaux: Educator has found her home at OLS in Sulphur

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Christy Breaux had great experiences while she was a student.

“I grew up with fun and inspirational teachers who made a difference.”

She has always known she wanted to be a teacher. Her inherent love of children drew her to a career where she could provide the youth with the same experiences that shaped her.

She was born and raised in Hackberry, and after graduating from Hackberry High School she enrolled at McNeese State University. She graduated with a bachelor’s in early childhood education.

She started at Our Lady’s Catholic School 28 years ago, and aside from a few breaks to stay with her own children, that is where she has been since. Her three children have also attended OLS.

Through the years, Breaux has taught at almost every elementary level at OLS, including kindergarten,

third, fourth and fifth grade.

A year and a half ago, Breaux was presented with a medical challenge that forced her out of the classroom for a time. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced it head on.

“I was out almost a year while I had a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemo, 28 rounds of radiation and reconstruction surgery.”

Breaux conquered cancer. This is

Special to the American Press

her first year back, and she is facing a new challenge: second grade.

This is her first time teaching at the grade level, and she loves it. She teaches all of the subjects that are required for a well-rounded second grade education, including English language arts (ELA), math, religion and social science.

Her favorite aspect of teaching is working directly with children and

witnessing them grow.

“When you see them finally get it and enjoy learning, it is the most rewarding thing in the world

“My educator’s philosophy would be to guide students to be independent learners and desire to always be their best self.”

This teaching philosophy brings students the self-assurance they need to lead productive, bold and prosperous lives.

“Education helps the community by creating confident children in hopes for them to carry this confidence into adulthood where they will be successful in whatever they set their mind to do.”

It is paramount for educators to put children first in the classroom.

“Always do the best for them, and everything else will fall into place.”

This practice will give students the greatest gift of all.

“If you believe in them, they will believe in themselves.”

Christy Breaux, left, with OLS principal Nichole Tanner.

BRIDGET LUNTSFORD’S THREE CLASSROOM RULES FOR STUDENTS:

‘Be positive, be respectful and be productive’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lifelong Welsh resident Bridget Luntsford has created a healthy learning environment for her students by establishing three classroom rules: “Be positive! Be respectful! Be productive!”

With this set of guidelines, Luntsford and her students are able to open productive lines of communication, which leads to a well-rounded and effective education, she said.

“Having this type of learning environment allows my students to feel safe, allows me to understand their needs and promotes positivity.”

The students aren’t the only ones learning in the classroom.

“As an educator, I challenge myself continuously, even in areas in which I’m already familiar. … I love all of the lessons my students have taught me through the many conversations we’ve had in class.”

As a student, her experience was

positive. She said she had “many inspirational teachers” who guided her through school.

One such teacher was social studies instructor Mary Lee Coles, an educator who “made learning come alive.”

After graduating from Welsh High School, Luntsford attended McNeese State University and earned a Bachelor of Education. She is certified to teach Pre-K through eighth grade.

She has taught at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic School for 22 years. At one point in her career, Luntsford taught regions of the United States. She saw this as a perfect moment to model her teaching style after Coles to

give her students the same energized education she received.

She would host themed parties to tie in the lessons about the regions.

“When we visited the Southwest Region of the United States, we had a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Students brought in Mexican dishes, painted maracas and more.”

Her effort to emulate Coles has made a tangible impression on her students.

“My greatest joy is visiting with former students that remember projects and activities from third and fourth grade.”

Luntsford now teaches third and fourth grade English Language Arts and Religion. She loves teaching ELA because it provides students with an outlet for expression.

“I love it when my students explore their creativity through writing, speaking and reading assignments.”

She is grateful for the opportunity to teach religion. The subject matter allows her students to delve into sub-

jects that stretch beyond the curriculum.

“It is truly a blessing to be able to pray daily with my students and teach them about our Catholic faith. At OLI, I’m able to educate the whole child. I’m allowed to go beyond the academic requirements to guide my students in their intellectual and spiritual formation.”

She is also the elementary 4-H leader of OLI.

For Luntsford, being an educator is a great responsibility and a great honor. The education that she provides OLI students shapes their future, and that is a task that she does not take lightly.

“I enjoy enlightening their minds and helping to prepare them for the future...I hope that my students can use the knowledge that I taught them to become prosperous adults in the future.

Her advice to educators is to “stay positive and always be willing to challenge the minds of their students.”

Leanne Schwartzenberg: ‘I love going to work every day’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Leanne Schwartzenberg loves teaching upper elementary students.

In her 25 years as an educator, she has taught every grade level from pre-k to eighth grade. Her career began at First Methodist School on Broad Street as a second-grade teacher. After her time there, she took a seven-year hiatus to start her family. She returned to the classroom as the director of religious education and religion teacher at Holy Family Catholic School in Moss Bluff.

Now, Schwartzenberg is teaching fourth- and fifth-grade math at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. She has held this position for 17 years, and it is her favorite by far.

Her students are “naturally curious, excited about learning and love challenging work,” she said.

“They come to class with happy faces ready to accomplish any task expected of them. I enjoy making learning fun and engaging through learning games and activities so that students at all levels are prepared for middle school.”

There is fulfillment in providing these students with an impactful educational experience during some of the most transformative years of their childhood.

“They are no longer little children anymore but also not teenagers. The students are becoming more independent yet they are still eager to learn and accept challenges.”

Schwartzenburg herself was born and raised in Vinton, and has known since she was young that she wanted to be a teacher due to her love of school and working with young people.

She has earned three degrees from McNeese State University — a

Schwartzenberg

bachelor’s in early childhood education, a master’s in curriculum and supervision for elementary principalship and a master’s in guidance and counseling. It can be difficult for students to understand math, but helping them work through difficult mathematical formulas and concepts is fulfilling for Schwartzenberg.

“As a child I always loved math and I want to instill a love of math in my young students. Math can be very challenging. The excitement that lights up students’ faces when

they work hard to finally understand a challenging math concept is truly rewarding.”

Establishing an appreciation and understanding of math in elementary students is “truly life changing” for students, she explained.

“Students who have a positive attitude toward math and problem-solving are more likely to accept the challenge of higher-level math courses that will allow them to choose a career that requires strong math skills, such as architecture, medicine, research, and engineering. The students who perform the best in math are often the students with the most enthusiasm, not the students with the highest level of intellectual ability.”

Laying this strong foundation for students in the upper elementary is especially important, as the skills they

Bridget Luntsford

PROGRESS

Elizabeth Cutrera: Education is foundation of a community

By Emily Burleigh American Press

When Elizabeth Cutrera was a young student, she had a teacher tell her she would make a great teacher. That is all she needed to hear.

“That statement planted a seed that grew into a vocation.”

She is a Lake Charles native who graduated from Barbe High School. In 2013, she received her bachelor’s in English education from LSU. The next year, she earned her master’s in educational leadership from McNeese State University.

Cutrera has now taught for just under a decade. Before she began teaching fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts at St. Margaret Catholic School in the Diocese of Lake Charles, she also taught middle school ELA at Oak Park Middle School, Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and Galvez Middle School in Ascension Parish.

Teaching ELA at St. Margaret is

something she loves intensely, and she said the intersection of literature and spirituality can lead to ethical revela-

tions in her students.

“I feel as if teaching ELA lends itself to classroom discussions that not only help students learn how to be better readers and writers, but also allows us to have discussions about morality seen within the novels or stories we are reading. I find that this allows our students to not only learn who they are in their current state but also what kind of person they hope to be.”

Her own middle school teachers left a “lasting impact,” helping her become confident and further inspiring her to teach. This is the service she wants to provide to her students.

“I felt very loved and cared for during a challenging time. I know that during this age many students do not feel comfortable in their own skin. I love trying to reach each student where they are when I meet them and help them be the best version of themself.”

While teaching, she strives to promote growth in all facets of their lives.

“I have always tried to focus on teaching the whole child: intellectually, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally.”

She has the unique opportunity to help her students develop into well-rounded individuals over multiple school years, which makes her relationships with them especially special.

“I have the privilege of teaching the same group of students multiple years in a row so I get a chance to see the change happening within my students as they grow and move on to high school.”

Within herself, there are two personality traits that reaffirms Cutrera’s decision to be a teacher: her heart for service and love for children.

“I can remember really being intentional when discerning that career path I was made for. … Education was the right career for me because I must use these two pieces of my personality to be successful in my classroom.”

Special to the American Press Elizabeth Cutrera and family.

PROGRESS

Katrise Read-Clark: Giving her students safe, fun learning environment

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Sulphur native Katrise Reado-Clark believes every student has the potential to succeed. All they need is the right tools and the right motivations.

She teaches first grade at Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy, and in her classroom she recognizes different learning styles and adjusts instruction to meet the needs of each individual student. She also curates the optimum learning space.

“Children are unique in their own special way and must have a safe, stimulating educational environment where they can grow academically, emotionally, and socially. I understand each child learns in their own way. ”

First grade is a critical time for students, as they begin to learn foundational skills, she said. They learn phonological awareness skills, spelling patterns and learn to read.

For Reado-Clark, literacy is the most important foundational skill.

“Reading is a skill needed for all academic subjects, not just English

language arts (ELA). If a student struggles with reading, they will struggle with math, science, and social studies.” It is also a vital day-today skill.

“If a student has trouble mastering foundational reading skills, they will struggle throughout elementary, secondary, and post-secondary school years. They will develop into an adult who finds tasks like filling out a job application or helping their children with homework difficult.”

She has seen this firsthand.

From 2008 to 2022, she was an adult education teacher. She served as a program coordinator and classroom instructor with the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana, where she taught High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

See CLARK, 32

SCHWARTZENBERG

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learn — basic computation, problem-solving and logical reasoning — are applicable to everyday life.

“Our math content includes the basic skills students will use their entire lives, whether they become scientists, engineers, chefs, musicians or carpenters or simply manage their household budget. Understanding basic math concepts is essential for managing finances, measuring ingredients, and making decisions in daily life.”

Nurturing independence in fourthand fifth-grade students is important to Schwartzenburg. To achieve this, she provides them with a “safe, loving environment” that gives them room to prioritize learning and agency.

She is not blind to the impact her career has on the future of Southwest Louisiana.

“Educating the next generation and

FIRST-GRADE TEACHER TAMMY BEBEE

She helps students connect heart to mind, mind to heart

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Tammy BeBee wants to provide her first-grade students with what her great-grandparents gave to her: inspiration, support and faith.

Her great-grandparents raised her. They were unable to read or write, but BeBee was always taught and motivated by the pair.

love to teach! It is easy to feel lucky. It is easy to feel loved. It is easy to feel that I have a chance to make a difference.”

preparing them for the future is one of the most impactful contributions to our community. … Seeing former students grow up to become compassionate, knowledgeable and responsible members of our community is incredibly fulfilling.”

Teaching at ICCS has provided her the opportunity to teach effectively and “instill a love of God and living a virtuous life” in every child that passes through her classroom. She contributes much of this to her fellow peers and leaders.

“At ICCS, we have a wonderful, supportive team of teachers and administrators who work together with parents to focus on strengthening the minds and spirits of our students. It is truly an honor to be able to teach in such a positive school community where I love going to work every day.”

“My great-grandparents were my true inspiration. They always truly believed in me and encouraged me to work my hardest. … “I wanted to be a teacher in the way my grandparents were to me, adults that praised my efforts and believed in me.”

Their actions, in addition to the aid that was provided to BeBee by her neighbors and teachers, ultimately led her to McNeese State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s in early childhood education.

For all 24 years that she has been an educator, BeBee has taught first grade. She spent time employed by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, teaching Brentwood Elementary and Fairview Elementary. Now, she calls Our Lady Queen of Heaven School her home.

She loves to teach first grade because for one simple reason, the kids. She said that their daily energy keeps her energized and motivated.

“When my day is filled with this kind of enthusiasm, it is hard not to

She said that the relationship between her and her students is “nurturing,” and always “involves guidance and support.” When she is teaching, her mission is to not only make sure her students efficiently learn the curriculum, but also to help them understand how it relates to the real world.

“My favorite part of teaching is connecting the heart with the mind and mind to the heart. Those two must work together to bring out the best in the student.”

By establishing these connections, the whole child is developed. BeBee takes it a step further by encouraging her students to participate in virtuous habits.

“Giving students the opportunities to make connections and participate in genuine and purposeful activities along with prayer, love, and positive support, the student continues to grow and thrive to be the best they can be.”

Instituting this practice in the classroom benefits every resident, whether they are in school or not.

“Education contributes to the development and well being of communities. It fosters critical thinking and enhances social unity.”

Tammy BeBee with student Lizzie Thompson. Special to the American Press

Katrise Reado-Clark

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classes to those on the path to earn a high school diploma. Her students’ ages ranged from 16 to over 60. After over a decade in the field, she decided she wanted to change direction.

“After working in adult education for so many years I felt by becoming a classroom teacher for the youth I could prevent a child from falling through the cracks and possibly dropping out of school. I wanted to be the motivation and encouragement that so many struggling students need.”

With her Bachelor of Science in human services and Master of Art in education and special education from the University of Phoenix, she student taught at Oak Park Elementary School before joining the SWLCA team.

Reado-Clark knows she has the heart and the patience to be a teacher, and believes God created the path toward a career in education so she could positively impact the lives of local youth.

“My students know that I expect each of them to try hard. They understand that although I create a fun learning environment, I expect them to treat one another with respect.”

Creating a healthy learning environment is a priority for Reado-Clark.

“I strive to provide students with a safe and fun learning environment where they can speak freely and take risks. I believe this type of environment encourages students to reach their full potential. Learning does not have to be boring with a teacher talking to you all day.”

Thomas McGrady: ‘I want

to pass on wisdom given to me’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

In the classroom of Thomas McGrady, the process of learning is more important than performance. All of his students know that “progress is more important than perfection” and there is “nothing wrong with being wrong.”

He teaches 10th grade general biology and 12th grade advanced and AP biology at Lake Charles College Prep. His students are given a space to learn that is empathetic, engaging and celebrates student growth. One of his core beliefs as an educator is that grades “should be elective of a student’s current level of learning.”

“By that I mean if a student achieves an A on a test but a D or F on all the work leading up to the test, the student should receive an A, which would validate their struggles as opposed to holding them against the student.”

This practice created lifelong learners “who continue to learn and grow not for a grade, but for its own sake,” he said.

McGrady is a native of Wilke-Barre, Penn. He is a 2006 high school graduate of the Greater Nanticoke Area School District, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in biology from Easter University in 2010. This

year, he earned a master’s in educational leadership from the American College of Education.

He has taught for nine years and began his educator career at Saint Louis Catholic High School before joining the LCCP team in 2017. His passions have always been rooted in a desire in “walking with young people and helping them navigate the minefield of adolescence.” This passion was transmuted into an interest in being an educator when it was time to build a family, a moment he considers serendipitous.

“I was at a point in my life where I was about to marry my now wife of seven years, Katie Prejean. The prospect of building a life together changed the way I viewed my career and life ambitions.”

Education allows him to use his skills and knowledge to help young people, while also creating space for him to have a healthy home life.

“I am always a husband and father first. The field of education allows me the ability to excel in every area of my life.”

He was blessed with” incredible educators who supported, challenged and empowered” him throughout his years in school, and now it is his goal to pour those experiences back into his students.

“I want to pass on the wisdom that was given to me and work everyday in such a way that those who have invested in my life will have not done so in vain and are proud of the person they helped form.”

The process of teaching a student, beginning to end, is what makes teaching engaging for McGrady.

“Every year, season, weekday, and even class period is different and carries with it new challenges and situations. Trying to navigate that puzzle and find a way to not just meet the students where they are, but push, challenge and inspire them to move onward and upward is just endlessly interesting.”

Virginia Guidry: Sharing Spanish culture with her students

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Spanish teacher Virginia Guidry believes in the importance of learning Spanish as a second language.

She was born in Oviedo, Spain, and graduated from Ausev High School in her hometown. She then made her move to the United States to attend Northwestern State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in clinical

psychology.

Two of her brothers are Spanish teachers in Louisiana and her sister is a Spanish teacher in Gulf Shores, Ala. She gained her first experience with teaching when she was a freshman in college returning to Spain every summer to teach English as a foreign language at a Spanish summer camp called “The Ferreria.”

This experience was amazing and solidified her drive to become an educator, she said. Now, she has taught for 25 years, and began a career as a psychology instructor at NSU for five years and Spanish for Louisiana Virtual School before coming to Lake Charles — a move that followed her marriage. She began teaching Spanish at Sulphur High School.

Over the years, she has also obtained a Master of Arts in teaching and has completed all required course-

work for a Doctorate of Education in counseling psychology from Argosy University.

Currently, she is the ninth grade Spanish II and AP Spanish teacher at the Sulphur Ninth Grade Campus.

With the growing population of Spanish speakers in Southwest Louisiana, Guidry is equipping students with the tools to effectively communicate and interact with them.

Special to the American Press

Katie Prejean McGrady, Thomas McGrady and Rose, 6, and Clare, 3.

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PROGRESS

Baylee Treme: Teaching a way to change lives

By Emily Burleigh American Press

While sixth-grade social studies teacher Baylee Treme, 22, may be young, her teaching style is “old school.”

She was born and raised — and is still rooted — in Sulphur and graduated from Sulphur High School in 2019.

She earned her bachelor’s in general studies from McNeese State University in 2022 and is currently working on a master’s in education from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

For two years, Treme has taught at W.W. Lewis Middle School. The opportunity “fell into her lap” last fall, she said. Her first year she filled a temporary position as a sixth grade math teacher, which she enjoyed.

“I have always been a math person, but that position was not permanent for this school year. Social studies was. I love to try new opportunities,

GUIDRY

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“Being able to communicate with them can have a huge impact on people’s lives in our community. In addition, by learning Spanish, students will have more positive attitudes in the community, and this will lead to a decrease in prejudice towards people who are different.”

She enjoys teaching ninth grade and understands her responsibility as an educator during an age that is a pivotal moment in every teen’s success story.

To further her work with this grade level, she is the Literary Rally sponsor for the Sulphur Ninth Grade Center. In this role, she works alongside Robert Prejean, a math teacher at Sulphur High School, to prep the students for both district and sate rallies.

Her time teaching the students of Southwest Louisiana has been special. The opportunity to share her passion for her Spanish culture with her students is the most beautiful experience.

“As a native Spanish teacher, I have a deep love for Spain, and it is a true honor to be able to share my story

so when Mrs. Leblanc offered me the position, I jumped on it.”

She saw the chance to teach as her way of changing the lives of local youth, who live in a world that is different from hers when she was in middle school. Her goal is to not only effectively teach them the curriculum, but also life lessons that will support them “beyond the classroom and in daily life.”

As a social studies teacher with a focus on U.S. history, Treme is a storyteller with the goal of creating “great and future historians.”

with my students.”

Many of her students have not been afforded the opportunity to travel abroad, so in her classroom, they are given the chance to be globetrotters.

This is a practice that is vital for a fully-fleshed foreign language education, and it is Guidry’s goal to encourage her students to continue Spanish language and culture education.

“I believe that when students learn a language, but also its culture and symptoms, the student’s world perspective is greatly expanded.”

Her students validate her when they come to visit with tales of speaking Spanish out in the wild.

“Over the years, students have told me that they have been able to order something in Spanish at a Mexican restaurant, or that they were able to hold a conversation at a dance with a cute boy who did not speak English or help a stranger who needed help communicating in English in the community. Of course, these ‘aha moments’ occur in all disciplines, but there is something beautiful about learning a language that allows students to communicate with someone whom they would have never understood.”

Her favorite moment is when she sees the “lightbulb” light up in her students when they make educational connections during lessons.

“Old school methods” — accountability for mistakes, learning from failure — are utilized in Treme’s classroom. She said these are the values her mom instilled in her.

“It was important to drive those methods to kids who do not have that same guidance. My inspiration was not to create the perfect student, but to mold these kids into being resilient and productive members of our future society.”

“I compare my class to a soap opera, overly dramatic. I hook my students in by making history a story and involve them by asking how they would have responded, acted, and reacted if they were in that moment.”

She teaches by example using the tenets of “respect, authority, and discipline.” Her students feel secure in her

classroom because she ensures them she has their best interests at heart and is motivated to help and witness them succeed.

In her classroom, Treme builds an environment where respect is expected to go both ways, proper discipline is mandatory, trust is nurtured and relationships are “continually being built.” The relationships that she forms with her students allow her to provide support systems for students who might lack a proper one at home.

The relationship that she has with her students is “amazing” and centered around respect, she said.

“There is mutual respect that is earned from both sides while an unbreakable trust allows for real and authentic conversations to be held and maintained. … When they respect you, they will perform for you, and try their best in all they do both academically and outside of the classroom.”

Brandi Russell: Children need someone to believe in them

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Brandi Russell believes education helps the community by being a hub for growth and development.

She sees school as a place for students to belong, grow and flourish, in addition to being an important stepping stone in young people’s future.

“Of course, education helps with jobs and earning, but it creates a place to belong or a boost to do other things.”

Hailing from Beauregard Parish, she attended South Beauregard from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She then attended McNeese State University, where she earned a degree in criminal justice. She later earned her teaching certificate from iTeach, an alternative certification program that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

She has taught for 15 years. Her

first four years as an educator were spent at Delta Tech, a former private business school. There, she taught job readiness, interpersonal communications, psychology and sociology.

The past 11 years have been spent at Moss Bluff Middle School. She has taught English Language Arts for each middle school grade level. The 2023-24 school year is her fourth year teaching seventh grade.

She is a certified mentor leader – a teacher who guides and supports new and resident teachers who are working towards certification – and

Baylee Treme

Brandi Russell

Michelle Schroeder: Continuing family’s legacy of teaching PROGRESS

RUSSELL

Continued from 24

spearheads the Food for Thought program at Moss Bluff Middle. This program is a partnership between DeWanna’s Community Closet and local schools to provide for students in need.

She chose to teach ELA because she considers it the most important subject. Skills like literacy, comprehension and writing are foundational for success in an array of careers, she said.

“Having the ability to read and write literally opens the door for everything. Basic reading and writing

By Emily Burleigh American Press

For third-grade teacher Michelle Schroeder, 37, the opportunity to educate young people and invest in their lives is a privilege and joy.

“Watching them learn, getting to know them and what they enjoy, this is my favorite part!”

She was raised in a family of educators; Her dad was an elementary resource teacher, her grandmother a physical education teacher, her grandfather was the Dean of Science and Technology at McNeese State University.

She internalized her family’s love for teaching at a young age, and is happy to continue their legacy.

“I was surrounded by educators growing up and saw how much they enjoyed what they did. When I decided to go into education later on in my life, I was proud to follow in their footsteps.”

After graduating from Barbe High School, she went to Louisiana Tech to earn her undergraduate degree in speech pathology. In 2018, she furthered her education even more by attending McNeese for a master’s in teaching.

After she and her family moved overseas, Schroeder found herself in a classroom teaching English as a second language. It wasn’t until this moment that she developed a

skills give a person the opportunity to do more.”

Russell considers teaching a ministry that allows her to provide services for people daily.

“Every day I have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life; a student, a parent, a co-worker, and ever day, a difference is made in my life. I have no doubt that can be said of other careers, but education is just right for me, and I am thankful for all who helped get me to this point and that I get to do this job.”

It is her goal to provide for all students, especially those who struggle academically. She was inspired to become a teacher by all of the

passion for teaching.

“I did not know how much I would enjoy teaching! I loved spending time with the students, seeing them learn, thinking of creative ways to present information and just making learning fun.”

She has taught for nine years now.

Currently, she is at Western Heights Elementary. When she first started there, she taught fifth grade resource, but now teaches third grade English language arts. She is also a mentor teacher and a member of the PBIS committee. Previously, she taught Pre-K at St. Luke-Simpson and fifth grade math and science at Hamilton Christian School.

ELA is the subject she chose to teach because she loves “digging into a good book.”

The experience of reading is enhanced when she gets to do it with her students.

While teaching her students, Schroeder witnesses their comprehension skills grow and their individual opinions form.

“Students continually point out different viewpoints and it amazes me how they come to their conclusions.”

What Schroeder teaches is foundational for her students. By molding them into proficient readers, she can ensure they will be

students who needed extra support during school because when she was a student, education did not come easy to her.

“As I got older, and probably more so in college, I realized I was a person who just had to work harder. It was that understanding that led me to know I could really do anything I put my mind to.”

It is Russell’s philosophy that any person can learn, as long as they are being taught in a way that works for them. Often, their success hinges on her ability to adapt to her students’ needs. This is a task that she takes on willingly. She makes an effort to meet students where they are, and her

able to effectively continue their education and become productive members of the community.

“As students continue in their education journey they start to notice which subjects they like and dislike, which helps them decide which occupation they want to pursue. The goal is for students to become adults that give back to their community through volunteering or in their day-to-day job.

She believes third-graders are “some of the most fun students” to teach.

“They love to share what they have learned, a fun story or funny joke, or just tell me about their day. They are a joy to be around!”

The fun has with her students is her favorite part of the job. Throughout the school year, she builds healthy relationships with her students that allows her to get to know them on a more personal level.

“I enjoy learning about what they like, hearing about their sports games, and learning about the latest video games. They bring a smile to my face.”

In turn, she makes her classroom a space where all students feel cared for and comfortable.

“My hope is that when a student steps into my classroom they know that it is a place where they belong and are seen and heard.”

reward is witnessing the moments in which they “get it” and comprehend the curriculum.

“It should come to no surprise that I like working with kids who struggle and must give that extra effort. It is a real privilege when I get to assist them in their challenge.”

If a person has the motivation to be an educator, Russell believes that they should follow that instinct and “be the change for education in your parish, in Louisiana and the nation,” even if it is difficult.

“Every child needs someone to believe in them and someone to look up to, be that for them. Education is not for the weak of heart, but it can be the

Special to the American Press Michelle Schroeder, pictured with husband Justin Schroeder and daughter Piper.

PROGRESS

Dylan Coats: Helping students become confident in math skills

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Iowa High School mathematics teacher Dylan Coats is certain everyone can be good at math. It is the effort that makes a difference.

This is his educator’s philosophy, and he is happy to take on the job of helping students become confident in their math skills.

From “lightbulb moments” to every opportunity to help students navigate complex mathematical concepts, Coats experiences consistent joy in his classroom.

“It’s not unusual for some students to face challenges in grasping mathematical concepts, and witnessing the breakthrough when it suddenly clicks in their minds is truly the most fulfilling and gratifying experience in the world. ... Seeing a student work with me, overcome obstacles and thrive is an indescribable and rewarding expe-

rience.”

It was never his intention to become a teacher, but his profession found him while he was in graduate school. He graduated from Barbe High School in 2011 and subsequently attended McNeese State University. There, he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s in mathematics.

During his time as a graduate student, he was granted the opportunity to work as a tutor for McNeese’s mathematics department.

“It was in this role that I discovered

the gratification of sharing the world of mathematics with others, especially witnessing students struggle with a concept or topic. The sense of pride in the student’s success and being the one to facilitate their understanding of this beautiful subject solidified my path towards becoming an educator.”

He is six years into his career. His first three years as an official teacher were spent at McNeese’s math department, but when a chance to work for the Calcasieu Parish School Board as a teacher in the VIP Program — a program in which teachers provide simultaneous instruction to students at multiple high schools — Coats took it.

Now, his current educational home is Iowa High school, where he has taught for two years and “hopefully many more years to come,” he said. There, he teaches math for each high school grade level, specifically Freshman Algebra 1, Junior and Senior

Algebra 3 and Dual Enrollment math.

Despite the classic challenges that are attached to a career as a teacher, he truly loves his job.

“Being an educator is not a glamorous job and requires long hours outside of school. However, for me it’s all worth it to see my students’ success, to see my students flourish and to show them math is not as scary as most may think.”

Coats makes an active effort to create an “enjoyable and somewhat relaxed rapport” with his students in a safe, welcoming and warm environment.

“Creating a space where students feel comfortable is of the utmost importance, particularly when dealing with a subject that poses challenges for many. … My goal is to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and are unafraid of the possibility of not getting things right on the first try.”

Darby LaRocca: Life with her brother helped steer her into Special Ed

By Emily Burleigh American Press

St. Louis Catholic High School teacher Darby LaRocca knows school can sometimes be confusing and uncomfortable for students and teachers alike. But in her classroom, she approaches each situation with patience and compassion.

She was raised in Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from West Orange-Stark High School in 1991.

Four years later, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in special education. She is certified to teach special education in both Louisiana and Texas.

She was drawn to special education because of her family experiences. Her older brother was in special education self-contained classes throughout his school years, struggling both academically and behaviorally. As she witnessed her parents navigate this, LaRocca decided she could learn and help others.

“I watched my parents deal with the

ups and downs of raising a child with disabilities. Somewhere deep down I felt that living in a home environment with a person with disabilities might make me able to sympathize with others in the same situation.”

Her 26-year teaching career started in Louisiana at Johnson Bayou and LaGrange high schools.

After a job transfer for her husband, she taught at two schools in Texas: Groves Elementary and West Orange-Stark Elementary.

For most of her career she taught Resource, where students with various disabilities learn math, grammar, writing, science and social studies.

She has also done Inclusion and Content Mastery work. When she was an Inclusion teacher, she would go into classrooms and assist students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) with classwork and tasks.

As a Content Mastery teacher, students would come to her classroom to work on assignments.

They eventually moved back to

Lake Charles, and she began teaching at Saint Louis. LaRocca began teaching at Saint Louis after the principal asked her to join in on an “exciting adventure.”

“I was a bit scared because I hadn’t taught high school students in a while and study skills was a new take on the special education I was used to teaching.”

It was a chance worth taking. She said that this position is her best teaching job yet.

She has been at the school for seven years teaching 9th to 12th grade Study Skills. In Study Skills, she helps students earn a TOPS diploma.

The learning environment in her classroom is more independent. At

the start of the week, she writes out the assignment for the week and their due dates, and carves out times for her students to study.

“Some students need a place to lay low and collect themselves. There are a lot of moving parts to this classroom setting.”

The learning space is also comfortable, inviting and “home-like” to facilitate both academic and social growth. At St. Louis, she is also the prom sponsor and a Mentor in the House of Saint Elmo.

LaRocca is proud to be a teacher and to work alongside others with the same passion. She and her peers have a “kinship like no other,” she said.

“We feel each other’s pain and frustration whether you are in Louisiana or Alaska. … Who else will give up eating out in order to buy extra poster board and markers for students that can’t afford it? I can ask any of my co-workers on any given day for assistance and all will respond. What other profession will do this consistently?”

Dylan Coats

Darby LaRocca

PROGRESS

Jill LeBato: Best part of teaching is helping students flourish

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Jill LeBato finally got to return to her “home” this school year: fifth grade.

She has 30 years of education experience under her belt. She taught fifth grade at Vincent Settlement Elementary for most of those years. She has held teaching positions in grades first through fifth, but fifth grade holds a special place in her heart, she said.

At this grade level, she has the opportunity to form bonds with students at a transitional point in their lives.

“Fifth grade is a wonderful grade to teach because they are young adults, but they still want to do well for those teaching them. It is all about establishing respect in both directions.”

In 2017, she retired from the Calcasieu Parish School Board, but a year later she accepted a position at Our Lady’s School (OLS) in Sulphur. Early on in her career, LeBato knew she wanted to retire from the public sys-

tem and move to the private sector.

“I feel like I still have a lot to offer my students. I do appreciate all the professional development I have had throughout the years to better accommodate my students.”

She chose OLS because she believes “it is a beautiful process to thread Christianity in particular Catholicism throughout the day to the education of our students.”

After retiring from CPSB in 2017, she joined OLS’ administration staff.

“I wanted to be in the classroom, but Our Lady’s School had a need for an administrative assistant. I did that for two years, then COVID-19 and the hurricanes hit Our Lady’s School hard.”

After one year off, she returned in the spring of 2023. In the fall, a space opened up for her to teach again.

Teaching runs in the family. Her father, Maurice Mueschke, was a high school basketball coach and eventual CPSB associate superintendent. Her husband of 38 years, Clint LeBato, who is retired, worked as the boys’ basketball coach at Sulphur High School. This tradition was carried down to their oldest son, Matt LeBato, who is an assistant boys’ basketball coach at Sulphur High.

LeBato was spiritually called to education when she was young.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very early age. I feel like it was a calling from God. I love learning and teaching.”

She graduated from Vinton High School and earned her bachelor’s and master’s plus-30 from McNeese State University. She also has a certification in supervision.

In her role, she teaches all subjects, but she has a soft spot for math.

It is a life-long skill that is solidified in the fifth grade, she said. The core principles they learn, like algebra, are the ones that will be used in middle school, high school, college and beyond.

She also appreciates the subject for its structure.

“In my opinion, math is a precise curriculum. There is immediate feedback to understanding the objective. If the feedback isn’t positive, then reteaching can happen immediately.”

LeBato is also the Math Club sponsor for third, fourth and fifth grades.

The best part of her job is helping her students flourish into productive and established people.

“I love being apart and witnessing first-hand the students growing intellectually, emotionally, and physically. I think it is important to teach students to be good citizens and how to be successful in society and that can’t happen by itself. We have to have good teachers in place for that to happen.”

Hannah Harless: Every day is a new adventure with first-graders

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lake Charles native Hannah Harless teaches more than just curriculum in her classroom.

She teaches at St. Margret’s Catholic School and sees teaching there as a chance to cultivate a relationship with God in each of her students. As a result, these students learn about important moral lessons and concepts.

“Having religion classes teaches civility, love, kindness and, above all, how to love one another the way you want to be treated.”

She attended St. Louis Catholic High School and graduated from McNeese State University in December 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

After graduation, she was offered the opportunity to cover two maternity leave positions at Saint Margaret Catholic School: kindergarten and

third grade. After those jobs were completed, she was hired as a permanent first-grade teacher at the school in 2018. She is now in her sixth year of teaching.

She knew from a very young age she wanted to be an educator. In middle school, a teacher she viewed as a role model told her that she would make a great teacher. That comment encouraged her to pursue that career path.

Her decision to become a teacher was solidified in high school while working at St. Margaret’s Summer Care Program. She also worked in the school’s After School Care Program and helped students with homework. This is where her love for children blossomed.

“I loved the look the kids would get when they accomplished their work and understood new concepts.”

Harless was a good student herself, but school did not come easy to her. She explained that she was able to

maintain good grades, but only through hard work and explorative study methods and approaches. Her experience in school influenced her decision to become a teacher because she felt called to help students discover their learning styles.

“I wanted to be able to help others feel supported in how they learned best, and not in just one specific way. This has helped me present information to culturally diverse students in my classroom.”

Harless loves teaching first grade because the students make it fun.

“Every day is a new adventure with

them, and they keep me on my toes!”

At this grade level, she also feels the weight of responsibility. The experience that students have in the first grade can impact the rest of their school career, she said.

“I think the impact of first grade can affect how they will feel about school for the rest of their lives. I want to ensure my students have a lifetime love for school and learning.”

One of the most important traits she nurtures in her students is respect.

“I ask that they give me respect, and in return, I will give it back to them. I think this helps to create a positive relationship between my students and myself, which leads to a fun, but also trustworthy classroom environment.”

Throughout her life, Harless was told that teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can do. It wasn’t until she became an educator herself that she understood the validity of that claim.

Jill LeBato

Hannah Harless

PROGRESS

Band director Demetrius Gatewood: Free-thinking encouraged

By Emily Burleigh American Press

For Demetrius Alsandro Gatewood music is an intersectional study that plays a crucial role in students’ lifelong learning habits.

He has been a music and band teacher for pre-K through eighth grade at Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy, and heads the concert, pep and marching bands. He has learned that education is the right role for him because he is “touching the lives of children and developing lifelong learners who appreciate and value school.”

Music educators have the opportunity and ability to “ignite an interest in subjects like math, language arts, science, and music that can determine the type of learner the child will be throughout school,” and that is a responsibility he does not take lightly.

He is originally from Little Rock, Ark., but graduated from Washing-

ton-Marion Magnet High School in 1995.

He attended multiple collegiate institutions — Jackson State University, Southern University and Texas Southern University — and ultimately received his Bachelor of Science in sports management from TSU. He later earned a Master of Arts in higher education administration from Louisiana State University.

Before taking on his role at SWLCA, he worked at McNeese State University as the director of student activities and cultural engagement. As someone who assisted students with their coursework, and in some cases helped

with navigating life circumstances, he realized he wanted to serve students earlier in their education.

The best learning happens in a space that promotes cooperation and collaboration, and encourages students to play an active role in their education and learn from their peers, he said. Gatewood curates this environment by building a foundation of trust and respect with the students. The first step to achieve this is to realize the teacher can learn just as much from the students as they learn from the educator.

He encourages free-thinking in his classroom and shows respect to his students by letting them have space to discuss their personal ideas and interpretations of curriculum.

“My goal is to be a facilitator of learning and a mediator of discourse rather than simply telling students what I want them to know.”

His students are able to choose the

music they perform, as well as the content they want to learn. This practice allows them to explore their emotions through music.

“Music can drive certain emotions and a certain piece can mean something different to each person. I want to validate my students and their feelings about a piece by allowing them to share their connections so that students can combine their various experiences to create a deeper and broader interpretation of a piece.”

The classroom is also an environment that welcomes “discussion, curiosity, dialogue and discovery.” He said this is paramount for learning because students have the agency to be themselves and make mistakes that help them grow.

“This way, mistakes happen in a safe, forgiving environment where students can learn from them before they have to learn those lessons in the real world.”

Martha Dalton: Honored to prepare students for next steps in life

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Lake

Charles College

Prep teacher Martha Dalton enjoys working with high school students because she has the honor of preparing them for the next step in their lives and guiding them into adulthood.

Education helps to prepare the future workforce for the community, she said. As a math teacher, she is able to provide her students with practical knowledge that helps them after they graduate high school and go to college or begin their careers.

“Geometry has so many applications, it is easier for students to understand how it can relate to their lives.”

Hailing from Birmingham, Ala., she graduated from Gardendale High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Alabama.

She has taught for 35 years, and has divided much of that time in

several area schools: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LeBlanc and Maplewood Middle schools and St. Louis,  Sulphur and Vinton High schools. Now she is at home at LCCP teaching ninth through 12th grade geometry and precalculus.  Dalton was inspired to become a teacher by family members and her school experience.

She grew up with two aunts who were teachers. They served as role models, and one even taught Dalton government and economics in high school. Witnessing the direct ways that educators influence a student’s education while she was in school encouraged her to pursue the career.

“After experiencing the difference

a great teacher versus an average teacher could make in learning new concepts, I wanted to use my knowledge to help others learn the subjects that I enjoyed.”

In school, she excelled because of her study skill and work ethic. She also enjoyed extracurricular activities, and got her first taste of teaching while in band.

“I was a drum major in high school and college and enjoyed teaching others how to march and felt comfortable in a leadership role. I always felt that music and math had a connection and enjoyed both subjects.”

In education, everything is always in motion and evolving. This is just how Dalton likes it. Each year, she encounters new curriculum, methods and students that help her grow.

“I like the fact that each school year you get to work with a different group of students, so your job is always changing and challenging.”

As a teacher, she never stops learning. She enjoys attending math

conferences to find new effective ways to teach math to her future students.

In the classroom, she lives for the “aha” moments. Just in the way that she is continuously challenged in her profession, Dalton keeps her students on their toes. She teaches “bell to bell” and ensures that every day her students learn something new.

“I hold them accountable to a high standard and believe that everyone has the ability to learn new concepts.”

She said it is important to push her students to learn new mathematical knowledge efficiently because math is inherently a subject that “builds on previous concepts.”

“Students must have a good foundation of number sense and fluency with basic facts to be successful. If a student is missing a key prerequisite concept, they may struggle to learn a new concept. My job as a teacher is to analyze why a student is struggling to find the missing gap in their math knowledge and remediate that concept.”

Demetrius Gatewood

Martha Dalton

PROGRESS

D’Antoinette Jackson: ‘We must educate, encourage and elevate’

By Emily Burleigh American Press

D’Antoinette “Dee” Jackson loves math.

She wants others to love it, too.

She is an eighth-grade math teacher at Lake Charles Charter Academy. The subject has always been her favorite because of the expansive applications mathematics has.

“Math is fun and it helps us develop problem solving skills that can extend into other areas of our lives.”

Jackson is a NOLA native. She attended Joseph S. Clark Senior High in New Orleans before coming to Lake Charles to earn a Bachelor of Science in business management from McNeese State University.

Teaching was not her first career choice. She is a wife and mother of three, and was a parent volunteer at LCCA while she was also a full-time banker. During her volunteer time, she

said she was “fascinated by the amazing teaching strategies and how each teacher implemented them in their own unique and engaging way.” Her inspiration was solidified when she was encouraged by LCCA Superintendent Pam Quebodeaux to pursue a career in education.

She went on to attend Grand Canyon University with a master’s in secondary education, and now is in her 12th year of teaching.

As a teacher, she enjoys helping students develop their academic and life skills. She treats each math concept like a building block, with each

lesson slowly building on the last to create a fully-fleshed out education. This practice ensures that her students are able to succeed, she said.

“I enjoy helping students advance in life by strengthening their math skills one standard at a time.”

Math can be a difficult subject for many students, but Jackson lives for the bright moments of clarity and understanding her students experience.

“That’s when students understand challenging concepts and feel accomplished.”

She has nurtured a mutual respect between her and her students. The establishment of this respect was aided by the “strong routines and procedures” that are instituted in her classroom. The structure of her lessons allow for an efficient learning environment that is simultaneously uplifting.

“I have a positive classroom culture and I encourage my students to do

great every day.”

Her role as a teacher is vital for the success of both her individual students and the community as a whole, she believes. She said a good education is the “key to minimizing poverty” in Southwest Louisiana.

“We must educate, encourage and elevate every student to envision their greatness. The more you know, the more you grow. Education can positively open the doors to success.”

Jackson’s service to students is not limited to the classroom. For the last five years, she has also planned, prepared and executed the eighth grade end-of-year celebrations, including their prom and “move up” ceremony.

Teachers should continue to be kind to themselves, and keep their original mission and drive in mind, she said.

“Remember why you became a teacher, use that as your motivation and don’t forget to give yourself grace everyday.”

Jeremy Deamon: A teacher with a passion for educating youth

By Emily Burleigh American Press

Jeremy Deamon instills values in his students that will guide them into a life of productivity and success.

Nurturing the lives and minds of young people is the cornerstone of developing a connected and constructive community, he said.

“Education helps the community by filling it with productive citizens who are capable of learning and uplifting themselves and others.”

This is a service he has provided, both inside and outside of the classroom, to the students of Molo Middle School since 2017. He teaches sixthgrade math, and coaches football and track at Molo and Washington-Marion and Sam Houston high schools.

He said when he was a student he (secretly) enjoyed school and has always had a love for learning. Most of all, he loved math.

“Math was one of my favorite

subjects in school and there are very few people that can actually teach math effectively.”

He is a Dallas native, and is a product of the Duncanville Independent School District. After graduating from Duncanville High School, he moved to Lake Charles to attend McNeese State University. There, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in general studies. He later obtained a master’s in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is now certified to teach fourth through eighth grade.

After seven years of teaching,

Deamon has determined that being a teacher is a fulfilling role that has not only enriched his life, but aligns with a cause he cares deeply about.

“Education is the first career I have had that makes me feel like I am not working. I have a passion for educating the youth of tomorrow and seeing them become successful.

He ultimately chose the profession to serve the youth by sparking in them the love for learning that he carries. Through this ignition, his students are set on the inquisitive path that leads to a fully-fleshed out education.

“I wanted to inspire the next generation. I always wanted to help students get rid of every area of ignorance in all subjects.”

This isn’t always an easy task, but Deamon’s favorite part of teaching is “seeing the lightbulb come on or seeing students persevere and finally understand a concept that they were struggling with.”

These “lightbulb” moments happen

in a space that makes students feel comfortable. He said that it has been a goal of his to create a domain that encourages productive learning.

“I have done my best to create a learning environment that is safe, caring and rewards effort.”

His students are responsive to his efforts and in return work even harder, he said. “I love my students and I believe they know I care for them and want what is best for them.”

His philosophy is “it’s not what you’re capable of, it’s what you’re willing to do.”

He advises that his peers — current and future — practice patience for themselves and students, and remember why they chose education as their profession when the job becomes difficult.

“Understand that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Education is a labor of love. Love what you do. If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion.”

D’Antoinette Jackson

Jeremy Deamon