Providing All Louisiana Students with Opportunities to Learn

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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

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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.

Meet Dr. Brumley

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

Learn about our priorities

Employment Opportunities

Careers at LDOE

Join the Louisiana Department of Education as we strive for excellence.

View current openings

Policy Guidance

State Advisory Groups

The LDOE facilitates over a dozen councils, committees, task forces, and other groups.

Learn more about our education groups
Sixty-seven teachers and leaders one step closer to being named Louisiana’s best

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced today the 67 educators advancing one step closer to being named the state’s best. The LDOE named its 2025 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists, 2025 Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year Finalists, and the 2024 Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalists.

“It is an honor to celebrate the significance of the education profession and those who choose to serve the next generation,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These remarkable teachers and leaders are making a profound impact on the lives of students and the future of Louisiana."

Louisiana Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

  • Acadia Parish: Elise Boutin
  • Allen Parish: Christian Harrington
  • Ascension Parish: Morgan Green
  • Avoyelles Parish: Jodie T. Melancon
  • Bossier Parish: Chris Kourvelas
  • Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Suresh Chiruguru
  • Claiborne Parish: Hannah Talley Sanders
  • Collegiate Academies: Nora McGann
  • Evangeline Parish: Jessica Capseta
  • Hynes Charter School: Jazmyne Darby
  • Iberia Parish: Racquell Archangel
  • Jefferson Parish: Dawn LaFargue-Armelin
  • Lafayette Parish: Jessica "Joy" Stalnaker
  • Morris Jeff Community School: Steven Kennedy
  • Ouachita Parish: Jennifer Callender
  • Richland Parish: Susan Shrader
  • St. Bernard Parish: Christina McCarta
  • St. Charles Parish: Annette Blanchard
  • St. Mary Parish: Rebecca Nguyen
  • St. Tammany Parish: Carra "Beth" Melton
  • Tangipahoa Parish: Jill Williams
  • Terrebonne Parish: Leah Voisin
  • University View Academy: Raven Cole
  • Zachary Community School District: Adrianne Dykes

Louisiana Principal of the Year Semifinalists

  • Beauregard Parish: S. Chad Schulz
  • Caddo Parish: Robert Middleton
  • Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Shonna Anderson
  • Central Community School District: Brandon LaGroue
  • DeSoto Parish: Amanda LaFollette
  • East Baton Rouge Parish: Dr. Tongelia McCray-Rowan
  • FirstLine Schools: Glenda Welch Baylis
  • Franklin Parish: Anna Tarver
  • Grant Parish: Jennifer Winslett
  • Iberville Parish: Dr. Amanda Austin
  • Lafourche Parish: Dr. Decina Rodriguez
  • Lincoln Parish: Tiffany Curry
  • Livingston Parish: Anne “Beth” Jones
  • Natchitoches Parish: Micah Coleman
  • Plaquemines Parish: Holly Eiswirth
  • Rapides Parish: Rebecca Warren
  • Red River Parish: Michael Beck
  • Sabine Parish: Donya Tatum
  • St. John the Baptist Parish: Dr. Kara Lawson
  • St. Landry Parish: Casey Comeaux
  • St. Martin Parish: Tiedra Hawkins
  • Vernon Parish: Jennifer Wilbanks
  • West Baton Rouge Parish: Kelley Stein
  • West Feliciana Parish: Brittney Rosenbach

Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year Finalists

  • East Baton Rouge Parish: Julie Cook
  • East Baton Rouge Parish: Montrellani Gordon
  • Franklin Parish: Tasha Jones 
  • Jefferson Parish: Nicole Williams
  • West Baton Rouge Parish: Yashica Murphy

Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year Finalists

  • East Baton Rouge Parish: Ashley Beal
  • Iberville Parish: Rockeisha Walker
  • Plaquemines Parish: Ava Hingle
  • Rapides Parish: Michelle Queen
  • Vermillion Parish: Tiffany Comeaux

Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalists

Elementary:
  • Ascension Parish: Ashlie Clouatre
  • Bossier Parish: Alex Devine
  • Ouachita Parish: Samantha Valentine

Middle:
  • Iberville Parish: Olivia Landry
  • Lafayette Parish: Morgan Toups
  • Rapides Parish: William Foley

High:
  • Calcasieu Parish: Tiffany Pfeifer
  • Jackson Parish: Trey Porchay
  • Zachary Community School District: Braxton Michel

All semifinalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.

These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge those teachers and leaders who are making exceptional gains with students. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.

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