See the finalists for Louisiana teacher, principal of the year

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists were named Wednesday.

“Each of these finalists has gone above and beyond to ensure that students succeed,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “ We are proud to recognize and celebrate their exceptional work.”

Three teachers and two principals from the Baton Rouge area were named finalists. The Louisiana Department of Education said recipients will be named at a gala set for July 26 at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

Teacher of the Year finalists

• Tante Poche’: Gonzales Middle in Ascension Parish
• Katherine “Kaki” Willrich: Neville High in the City of Monroe School District
• Carla Bringier-Mason: Edward Hynes Charter School in Hynes Charter School Corporation
• Aaron Beaubouef: Jennings High in Jefferson Davis Parish
• Brittany Hebert: Broussard Middle in Lafayette Parish
• Erin Cosse’: Belle Chasse Elementary in Plaquemines Parish
• Ali Angelle: Teche Elementary in St. Martin Parish
• Delanea Buffalo: West Feliciana High in West Feliciana Parish
• Regena Beard: Copper Mill Elementary in Zachary Community School District

Principal of the Year finalists

• Jennifer Burris: Benton Intermediate School in Bossier Parish
• Anesha Ross: Mansfield High in DeSoto Parish
• Kyle Fontenette: Mayfair Laboratory School in East Baton Rouge Parish
• Justin Wax: Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish
• Hollie Folse: Paulina Elementary in St. James Parish
• Brandon Singleton: Grand Coteau Elementary in St. Landry Parish
• Christian Monson: Mandeville High in St. Tammany Parish
• Dr. Anna Faye Caminita: Ponchatoula High in Tangipahoa Parish
• Tonia Cook: Acadian Elementary in Terrebonne Parish

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