Welcome to the Louisiana Department of Education
About the Louisiana Department of Education
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) provides guidance and support to all publicly funded early childhood centers and elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. Specifically, the department provides tools and resources to schools and school systems to support classroom instruction, assessments, workforce development and college and career preparation. Additionally, the department provides families and the public with transparent reporting of center, school, and school system performance and quality through the Louisiana School Finder.
To stay connected with the LDOE and receive updates on our work and our resources, visit our newsroom and our newsletter subscriptions page.
Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
The LDOE is the administrative arm of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). BESE was established by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution. The Board is composed of 11 members: eight elected by the citizens of Louisiana’s eight BESE districts, and three appointed by the governor of Louisiana to represent the state at-large. Together, these members adopt and enact policies governing the elementary and secondary schools of Louisiana.
Louisiana's Education Priorities
Louisiana's education priorities maintain a clear focus on what matters most for academic achievement.
- Early childhood leading to kindergarten readiness
- Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading
- Math instruction from foundational to advanced skills
- Opportunities ensuring a meaningful high school experience
- An effective teacher for every student
- Expand educational choice for students and families
Request Information
If you have questions, including public records requests, questions about licensure, or other types of inquiries, please see our contact us page.
Louisiana State Superintendent
Dr. Cade Brumley
Dr. Brumley is a Louisiana native who has dedicated his career to serving children, parents, and educators.
Back to the Basics
Louisiana's Education Priorities
From being ready to learn on the first day of kindergarten to thriving in a career, college
Employment Opportunities
Careers at LDOE
Join the Louisiana Department of Education as we strive for excellence.
Policy Guidance
State Advisory Groups
The LDOE facilitates over a dozen councils, committees, task forces, and other groups.
(NEW ORLEANS, LA) --The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is bringing together over 7,000 educators to help the state move to its next level of academic success. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley kicked off this week’s Teacher Leader Summit during an opening session this morning that included the live announcement of the Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists. This year’s event set an LDOE record for registered attendees. The 2024 Teacher Leader Summit is May 28-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
“This week’s record attendance is proof of the excitement around where Louisiana education is headed,” said Dr. Brumley. “Our educators understand the importance of this moment for Louisiana students and are already focused on how they can improve for next school year.”
Dr. Brumley and Zearn Co-Founder and CEO Shalinee Sharma headlined the opening session with a conversation on why every kid is a math kid and how Louisiana is seeing academic progress with its approach to math instruction. Sharma is one of the world’s top experts on math learning.
Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year Finalists
Nine teachers and nine principals were named Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists live during the opening ceremony today. These 18 educators represent school systems across the state. The announcement was made by current Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier and Louisiana Principal of the Year Tia Trahan.
“Each of these outstanding teachers and principals bring value to their profession,” said Dr. Brumley. “I want to congratulate them on this immense honor and look forward to celebrating all of our excellent educators this summer.”
2025 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Acadia Parish: Elise Boutin
- Bossier Parish: Christopher Kourvelas
- Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Suresh Chiruguru
- Claiborne Parish: Hannah Sanders
- Collegiate Academies: Nora McGann
- Evangeline Parish: Jessica Marie-Capseta
- Lafayette Parish: J. Joy Stalnaker
- Ouachita Parish: Jennifer Callender
- St. Charles Parish: Annette Blanchard
2025 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalists
- Beauregard Parish: S. Chad Schulz
- Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Shonna Anderson
- Central Community School District: Brandon LaGroue
- DeSoto Parish: Amanda LaFollette
- FirstLine Schools: Glenda Welch Baylis
- Iberville Parish: Dr. Amanda Austin
- Lafourche Parish: Dr. Decina Rodriguez
- Red River Parish: Michael Beck
- Vernon Parish: Jennifer Wilbanks
Overall honorees will be announced and all finalists and semifinalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.
Teacher Leader Summit is the LDOE’s annual professional learning conference. Educators from across the state start the summer by preparing for next school year. Teachers, school leaders, and system leaders participate in workshops centered on Louisiana’s back to the basics approach to education.
###