3 Baton Rouge area educators named teacher, principal, new teacher of the year by LDOE

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Three educators from the Greater Baton Rouge area were named among Louisiana’s best on Friday night during the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala.

The Louisiana Department of Education and Dream Teachers hosted an event to honor the state’s top teachers and school leaders. They announced the 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year. Early childhood and new teacher honorees were also recognized.

This year’s overall state winners are:

• Teacher of the Year: Regena Hartley Beard (Zachary Community School District)
• Principal of the Year: Justin Wax (Livingston Parish)
• Early Childhood Teacher of the Year: Brooklynn Johnson-Botley (Allen Parish)
• Early Childhood Leader of the Year: Devonda Whittington-Warren (Tangipahoa Parish)
• New Teacher of the Year: Olivia Francois (Ascension Parish)

“Student success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes talented, determined educators who are focused on results,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

About the Honorees

Beard teaches science and STEM at Copper Mill Elementary. She has received national recognition for her outstanding science teaching. She also mentors new educators and leads a school robotics and coding club, according to LDOE.

Wax, the principal of Denham Springs Junior High, has led his school to state and national recognition. LDOE said he is known for championing hands-on STEM initiatives like an aquaponics lab.

Olivia Francois, a civics teacher at Dutchtown High, received recognition for her leadership and dedication as a new educator.

All photos courtesy of LDOE.

Division honorees, finalists, and special award winners were recognized. This includes the Milken Educator Award winners. More details about the honorees can be found here.

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