Staff and Educator Awards

TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR- APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN

The Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year programs honor exceptional educators whose instructional excellence, 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 outstanding educators through the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs.

Louisiana school systems may nominate up to three teachers and three principals, one from each division (elementary, middle, and high), for state-level consideration. Through a rigorous selection process, the Department identifies educators whose impact extends beyond their individual classrooms and schools and who can serve as ambassadors for public education across Louisiana.

The Teacher and Principal of the Year application process is now open. All applications, materials, and the timeline are posted in the Teacher and Principal of the Year Resources section.

State-level applications are due by January 14, 2027. Applications must be submitted through the online application portal, which will open later this year. 

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

NEW TEACHER OF THE YEAR- APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that great new teachers are critical to student success. Annually, the Department honors exceptional first-year teachers who are demonstrating excellence in teaching and have a strong commitment to student success. The New Teacher of the Year program recognizes the outstanding contributions of a first-year classroom teacher who, by the application deadline, has less than one year of full-time teaching experience. These educators also must teach full-time in a publicly funded school in Louisiana.  

The New Teacher of the Year application process for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. All applications, materials, and the timeline are posted in The New Teacher of the Year Resources.

All school systems are encouraged to select up to three new teachers, one per division (elementary, middle, and high) as their local-level honorees and submit these selections to the state process. School systems without a formal selection process in place may elect to send their candidates directly to the state-level process. 

State-level applications are due by January 14, 2026, and will be submitted via an online application portal that will open later this year.   

For questions about The New Teacher of the Year program, email [email protected].  

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that exceptional early childhood teachers and program leaders are critical to the success of young children. Annually, LDOE, in partnership with Dream Teachers, recognizes and celebrates outstanding educators through the Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year programs.

These programs honor early childhood educators and leaders whose excellence, leadership, and commitment to young children and families represent the very best of early childhood education in Louisiana. Through a comprehensive selection process, LDOE identifies exceptional teachers and leaders whose positive impact extends beyond their classrooms and programs and who can serve as ambassadors for early childhood education across the state.

The Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year application process is now open. All nominees are encouraged to apply for state-level consideration. Application materials and the timeline are available in the Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year Resources section.

School systems, Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, Community Network Lead Agencies, and Ready Start Networks are encouraged to support nominees throughout the application process.

State-level applications are due by January 14, 2027, and must be submitted through the online application.

For questions about the Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year programs, email [email protected].

OUTSTANDING SCHOOL SUPPORT EMPLOYEE AWARD- APPLICATION PORTAL NOW 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. The online application portal is open through December 10. Join an Informational Webinar during the application window to learn about the program and get application support.

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

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

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDER AWARD- APPLICATION PORTAL NOW 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 health service providers representing each category: Rehabilitation & Functional Health; Communication & Hearing Health; Nursing & Medical Health; Behavioral & Mental Health; and Other School-Based Health Professionals, 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. The online application portal is open through December 10. Join an Informational Webinar during the application window to learn about the program and get application support.

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

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