Staff and Educator Awards

THE DEPARTMENT NAMES THE 2027 TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR STATE-LEVEL HONOREES

 The Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year programs honor exceptional educators whose instructional expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to students exemplify the very best of Louisiana education. Annually, the Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Principals, recognizes and celebrates these educators through the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs.

Each year, Louisiana school systems nominate up to three teachers and three principals for state-level consideration. Through a rigorous state selection process, the Department identifies educators whose impact extends beyond individual classrooms and schools to serve as ambassadors for public education in Louisiana.

For questions about the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs, email [email protected].

THE DEPARTMENT NAMES THE 2027 NEW TEACHER OF THE YEAR

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that great teachers and school leaders are critical to student success. Annually, the Department honors the state’s most exceptional educators through the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs. These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge educators who are achieving excellence. The Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with Dream Teachers, has launched the New Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional new educators.

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that exceptional teachers and leaders are essential to the success of young children. Each year, in partnership with Dream Teachers, the Department honors outstanding early childhood educators through the Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year program.

OUTSTANDING SCHOOL SUPPORT EMPLOYEE AWARD- NOMINATION PORTAL OPEN 

Every school has individuals whose dedication makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students. School support employees serve as trusted mentors, problem-solvers, encouragers, and steady sources of support. Whether they welcome students each morning, ensure they arrive safely, prepare nutritious meals, maintain safe learning environments, or provide countless acts of care behind the scenes, they help create schools where students feel welcomed, valued, and prepared to succeed.

The Louisiana Department of Education proudly recognizes these exceptional individuals through the Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year program. Eligible nominees include teacher aides, paraprofessionals, school bus drivers, food service workers, clerical staff, custodial and maintenance personnel, and other school support employees who are not required to hold a teaching certificate as a condition of employment.

The search is now underway for Louisiana's next Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year honorees. We invite teachers, principals, district employees, colleagues, parents, students, community members, and school support employees themselves to nominate individuals whose dedication and service make a meaningful, lasting difference for students, schools, and their communities.

The nomination portal is open through September 11. Multiple nominations and self-nominations are welcome. After the nomination period closes, nominations will be shared with local school systems for consideration as they select their district nominees for the state recognition process.

Visit Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year archives to learn more about current and past honorees.

The application materials for the 2026-2027 school year will be uploaded to the website in the fall.  

For questions about the Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Awards program, email [email protected]. 

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDER AWARD- NOMINATION PORTAL OPEN

Every school has individuals whose expertise, compassion, and commitment ensure students have the support they need to be healthy, engaged, and ready to learn. School health providers are essential partners in education, providing critical services that remove barriers, improve student well-being, and help create environments where every student can thrive.

The Louisiana Department of Education proudly recognizes these exceptional professionals through the School Health Service Provider of the Year program. Eligible nominees include occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and licensed behavioral health providers (LCSW/LMSW, LPC, and psychologists) who demonstrate excellence in providing health services in educational settings and expanding access to care for students.

The search is now underway for Louisiana’s next School Health Service Provider of the Year honorees. We invite teachers, principals, district employees, colleagues, parents, students, community members, and school health providers themselves to nominate individuals whose expertise, leadership, and dedication make a meaningful and lasting difference for students, schools, and communities.

The nomination portal is open through September 11. Multiple nominations and self-nominations are welcomed. After the nomination period closes, nominations will be shared with local school systems for consideration as they select their district nominees for the state recognition process.

Visit School Health Service Provider of the Year archives to learn more about current and past honorees.

The application materials for the 2026–2027 school year will be uploaded to the website in the fall.

For questions about the School Health Service Provider of the Year Awards program, contact [email protected].