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.
Educators to be Honored at Gala on July 30
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Education (the Department) today announced the 2023 Teacher and Principal of the Year state-level winners.
Brittany Bonnaffons of Hahnville High School in St. Charles Parish has been selected as the 2023 State Teacher of the Year and Dr. David Schexnaydre, Jr. of Harry M. Hurst Middle School in St. Charles Parish is the 2023 State Principal of the Year.
"I would like to extend my personal congratulations to Brittany and David and thank them on behalf of the entire Department,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I look forward to celebrating with them and all honorees at what I expect to be a fantastic night for Louisiana educators.”
In partnership with Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Principals, the Department annually recognizes and celebrates the state's leading educators through Louisiana’s Educator Awards Programs. These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge teachers and leaders who are making exceptional gains with students. This year, the Department and Dream Teachers will celebrate the state elementary, middle, and high school Louisiana Teachers and Principals of the Year; Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year; Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year; and Louisiana NewTeacher of the Year at the 16th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Awards Gala at the World War II Museum in New Orleans on July 30.
The 2023 Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Matthias Drewry of Sallie Humble Elementary School in the City of Monroe School District; the 2023 Middle School Teacher of the Year is Sonja Davis of Lake Charles Charter Academy; and the 2023 High School Teacher of the Year is Justin Templet of Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish.
The 2023 Elementary School Principal of the Year is Heather Brooks of Haynesville Elementary School in Claiborne Parish; the 2023 Middle School Principal of the Year is Michael Hilton III of Lowery Middle School in Ascension Parish; and the 2023 High School Principal of the Year is Tamela Phillips of North DeSoto High School in DeSoto Parish.
Also during the Gala, the New Teacher of the Year Finalists, Early Childhood Teacher and Leader Finalists, Milken Educator Award recipients, Louisiana’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching honorees, the H. Norman Saurage III Service Award, and the Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists and Finalists will be honored.
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