Staff and Educator Awards

TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that great teachers and school leaders are critical to student success. Annually, the Department, in partnership with Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Principals, recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional educators through the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs. These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge those teachers and leaders who are making outstanding gains with students. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.

The state-level application process has closed. This year, school systems across the state submitted nominations for the state-level Teacher and Principal of the Year process. Congratulations to these outstanding educators! 

In March of 2026, the 48 Semifinalists (24 teachers and 24 principals) will be notified via email. At that time, the list will also be posted to this website.  

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

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that great teachers and center leaders are critical to student success. Annually, the LDOE , in partnership with Dream Teachers, recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional educators through the Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year award programs. These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge those teachers and leaders who are making outstanding gains with students. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.

The Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year application process for the school year is now open. All applications, materials, and the timeline are posted in the Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year resources section.

All nominees are encouraged to apply. In addition, all school districts and Child Care Resource and Referral agencies are encouraged to support nominees through the application process.

THE DEPARTMENT NAMES THE 2026  STATE-LEVEL OUTSTANDING SCHOOL SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that outstanding school support staff are critical to school success. Annually, the Department recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional school support staff through the Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Awards program. This program provides the opportunity to acknowledge those support employees (teacher aide, paraprofessional, school bus driver, food service worker, clerical, custodial or maintenance personnel, or any other employee who is not required to hold a teacher's certificate as a condition of employment) who have rendered time and talents beyond the call of duty. These staff play an integral role in school and student success.

This year, school systems from across Louisiana submitted applications for the state-level Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Award program. From this remarkable group of nominees, the Department is proud to announce the 2026 Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Finalists. Congratulations to these outstanding honorees.  

All state-level honorees will be recognized at the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 15, 2026. Following the meeting, a reception will be held at the Old State Capitol to celebrate their achievements. During this special occasion, the overall honoree will be announced.

To learn more about the previous state-level Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year honorees, visit the Honoree Announcement dropdown on the Awards page. 

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

THE DEPARTMENT NAMES THE 2026 STATE-LEVEL SCHOOL HEALTH PROVIDER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that student health plays a vital role in education and school health providers are the critical link in ensuring health service delivery to students.  Through the School Health Service Provider of the Year Program, the LDOE recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional school health providers.  This program provides an opportunity to acknowledge school health providers who demonstrate superior provision of health services in schools and support the expansion of health services in schools. 

This year, school systems from across Louisiana submitted applications for the state-level School Health Service Provider of the Year Award  program. From this remarkable group of nominees, the Department is proud to announce the 2026 School Health Service Provider of the Year Finalist. Congratulations to these outstanding honorees!

All state-level honorees will be recognized at the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 15, 2026. Following the meeting, a reception will be held at the Old State Capitol to celebrate their achievements. During this special occasion, the overall honoree will be announced.

To learn more about the previous state-level School Health Service Provider of the Year honorees, visit the Honoree Announcement dropdown on the Awards page. 

For questions about the School Health Service Provider Award contact [email protected].