Joseph places

The Louisiana Department of Education announced the 2022 Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists. The 48 semifinalists are elementary, middle and high school educators from school systems across the state. Finalists will be selected from this group and announced live at the 2021 Teacher Leader Summit during the plenary event on May 25 in New Orleans.
Among the honorees is Kayla Joseph, a 7th grade reading, English Language Arts, and social studies teacher at Chataignier Elementary.
For Joseph, the experience is exciting but is also forcing her to come out of her shell. “I had a lot of self reflection as a person and as an educator, so that’s been very rewarding,” she said. “I got to network and work with a lot of different people within the parish. It has been busy and a lot of work, but it’s rewarding.”
Joseph’s comments came during a surprise recognition ceremony held in the school library Wednesday morning. During the ceremony, she was greeted by her principal, Sarah LaFleur, as well as other superintendents and supervisors from the school district.
As an educator, Joseph generates culturally relevant lessons based on Louisiana standards to meet all students’ academic needs, applies classroom management techniques to promote high student engagement and achievement, and integrates technology into student centered instruction.
She is also interim Positive Behavior Incentives and Support Facilitator as well as interim attendance clerk.
All Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists will be honored at the 15th Annual Excellent Educators Awards Gala that will be held virtually on July 16. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.
School systems from all across the state submitted nominations to the state-level Teacher and Principal of the Year process. The Department 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 exceptional gains with students. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s education profession.