Overall honorees will be announced at 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the 2027 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists. These educators are making exceptional gains with students, guiding them to achieve at the highest levels in the state. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.
In partnership with Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Principals, the LDOE recognizes Louisiana’s most exceptional teachers and principals through the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs. These programs celebrate educators who make extraordinary gains with students and serve as models of excellence in their communities.
2027 Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Monica Speyrer, C.E. Byrd High School, Caddo Parish
- Hillary Severin, North DeSoto Upper Elementary School, DeSoto Parish
- Bridget Zeringue, Iberville Math, Science, and Arts (MSA) Academy East, Iberville Parish
- Alysa LeBlanc, Milton Elementary School, Lafayette Parish
- Hannah Smith, Belle Chasse Elementary School, Plaquemines Parish
- Kathy “Michelle” Blaney, Buckeye High School, Rapides Parish
- Alisha Butler, Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, Special School District
- Misleydis Almeida de la Cruz, Brusly Middle School, West Baton Rouge Parish
- Corey Elizabeth Gilfoil, Bains Lower Elementary School, West Feliciana Parish
2027 Principal of the Year Finalists
- Chuck Normand, Bunkie Magnet High School, Avoyelles Parish
- Alyshia Coulson, Bellaire Elementary School, Bossier Parish
- Kalandra Watkins Loyd, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, Concordia Parish
- Dr. Holly Franks Boffy, W. D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center, Lafayette Parish
- Casey Cheramie, Raceland Lower Elementary School, Lafourche Parish
- Doll Ann Johnson, Sterlington High School, Ouachita Parish
- Lauren Williams Rentrop, Patterson Junior High School, St. Mary Parish
- Terez LeBlanc, Houma Junior High School, Terrebonne Parish
- Kandice Broussard, North Vermilion Middle School, Vermilion Parish
Louisiana announced Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists in March. The overall Teacher and Principal of the Year honorees will be recognized in July at the 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala.
About Teacher and Principal of the Year
The Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year programs recognize educators who are making exceptional gains with students and leading at the highest levels in Louisiana. The programs highlight excellence in teaching and school leadership and elevate educators who serve as models for their peers and communities.