I had the honor of serving on the panel for interviewing the finalists for the 2019 Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Wow! Words can’t express how difficult it was to select the overall state teacher of the year and division winners. Each teacher had compelling stories to share about education. Each one had a powerful platform that needs to be heard. While each had unique talents and expertise, they all shared some things in common. The most important element being that they truly loved teaching, and they truly loved their students.
The announcements for the 2019 Teacher of the Year will take place at the 2018 Awards Gala on Friday, July 27, 2018. The theme for the gala this year is “Leaving Legacies”. While driving home following the interview process, I thought of the nine finalists and the legacies they have already left on education. I also thought about the legacies they will leave in the future, and a song came to mind. There is a beautiful song performed by Norah Jones called “American Anthem” that is dedicated to those that have served in our nation’s military. However, I believe these lyrics also serve as a wonderful tribute to the nine inspiring and talented educators that were chosen as finalist for Louisiana Teacher of the Year:
What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?
Let them say of me, I was one who believed in sharing the blessings I received.
Let me know in my heart when my days are through,
America, America, I gave my best to you.
Thank you to Spencer Kiper, Kathryn Ferguson, Elizabeth Gregorie, Kristen Bruce, Susan Mingee, Caitlin-Meehan Draper, Stephen Goodily, Keyre’ Bradford, and Tasha Jolivette-Jones for giving your very best to the children of America!*
*Names are listed in the order that they were interviewed.
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