Louisiana Teachers and Principal of the Year announced

According to the Louisiana Department of Education, the educators were honored at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala at the National World War II Museum.

Regena Hartley Beard was named Louisiana Teacher of the Year. She teaches fifth grade science and sixth grade robotics and STEM at Copper Mill Elementary in the Zachary Community School District. The LDE said Beard is known for her innovative approach to science instruction. She is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and was named Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association.

Justin Wax was named Louisiana Principal of the Year. He is in his fourth year as principal of Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish. The school has earned state and national recognition, including designation as a 2024 Top Gains Honoree and inclusion in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Middle Schools lists for 2024 and 2025.

Wax leads the development of an aquaponics lab at his school, giving students hands-on opportunities to conserve endangered Louisiana plant species and learn sustainable produce cultivation.

Brooklynn Johnson-Botley was named Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. She works at Kinder Head Start in Allen Parish.

Devonda Whittington-Warren was named Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year. She works at the Explore and Learn Early Learning Center in Tangipahoa Parish.

Olivia Francois was named Louisiana New Teacher of the Year. She teaches tenth grade civics at Dutchtown High School in 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 Cade Brumley. “The professionals we honored tonight are leading the charge behind Louisiana’s academic progress.”

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