Louisiana Department of Education Honors 2026 Teacher and Principal of the Year
In a vibrant celebration of excellence, dedication, and transformative leadership in education, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Teacher and Principal of the Year awards.
These prestigious honors recognize outstanding educators who have gone above and beyond to shape the future of Louisiana’s youth and uplift their communities through tireless commitment and innovation.
The award ceremony, held at the annual Louisiana Educator Excellence Gala in Baton Rouge, brought together educators, district leaders, families, and state officials to pay tribute to the exceptional contributions of these education leaders.
Recognizing Excellence in Education
Each year, the Louisiana Department of Education partners with Dream Teachers, the Louisiana Association of Principals, and other educational organizations to identify and celebrate top-performing teachers and school leaders across the state.
These honorees are selected through a rigorous, multi-phase process that includes nominations, interviews, classroom observations, and portfolio reviews.
The goal of the program is not only to reward excellence but also to elevate role models who exemplify the qualities of effective instruction, leadership, and student advocacy.
In 2026, the competition was particularly fierce, with hundreds of applications submitted across the state.
The finalists represent a wide range of backgrounds, teaching styles, and school communities—from rural districts to urban campuses, from early childhood centers to high schools.
2026 Louisiana Teacher of the Year: Danielle Collins, West Monroe High School
Danielle Collins, a veteran English teacher at West Monroe High School, was named the 2026 Louisiana Teacher of the Year.
With 17 years in the classroom, Collins has built a reputation as a passionate, innovative educator who inspires both students and colleagues alike.
Known for her culturally responsive teaching methods and emphasis on literacy, Collins has developed interdisciplinary units that integrate literature, history, and civic engagement.
Her students not only show improved academic performance but also develop strong critical thinking and communication skills.
In her acceptance speech, Collins emphasized the importance of student voice and equity:
“Every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered in our classrooms. Teaching is not just about delivering content—it’s about creating spaces where young people can thrive and discover their own strength.”
Beyond her classroom, Collins leads professional development workshops for new teachers and serves as a mentor through her district’s leadership academy. Her impact extends beyond the school walls, influencing teaching practices statewide.
2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year: Dr. Marcus LeBlanc, Lafayette Magnet Academy
Dr. Marcus LeBlanc, principal of Lafayette Magnet Academy, received the 2026 Principal of the Year award for his dynamic leadership, commitment to school improvement, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student.
Under LeBlanc’s leadership, Lafayette Magnet Academy has seen a dramatic turnaround. Once struggling with low test scores and declining enrollment, the school is now a model for academic achievement, arts integration, and student wellness.
LeBlanc implemented a school-wide intervention program focused on personalized learning, created partnerships with local universities and businesses, and prioritized a school culture grounded in trust and collaboration.
In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of community-driven leadership:
“A great school is the product of shared vision. Teachers, students, families, and the community must all come together. My job as a principal is to listen, empower, and build systems that help everyone succeed.”
He is widely admired for his open-door policy, data-driven strategies, and commitment to professional growth for teachers and staff.
Other Honorees and Finalists
In addition to Collins and LeBlanc, the LDOE recognized several other outstanding educators and leaders:
- Statewide Teacher Finalists included educators from Jefferson Parish, Rapides Parish, and St. Tammany Parish, representing excellence in STEM education, special education, and early literacy.
- Principal Finalists hailed from Ascension, Orleans, and Bossier parishes, showcasing diverse leadership approaches that led to improved student outcomes and inclusive school cultures.
- New Teacher of the Year and Early Childhood Leader of the Year awards were also presented, acknowledging the critical work done in early learning environments and by novice educators.
The Impact of Recognition
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley praised this year’s honorees for their resilience and innovation, especially amid ongoing challenges in education such as teacher shortages, mental health concerns, and learning recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These educators represent the very best of Louisiana,” Brumley said.
“They have not only excelled in their own classrooms and schools but have contributed to the broader mission of elevating education across the state. They are trailblazers, change-makers, and the heart of our school communities.”
The recognition goes beyond trophies and applause.
Winners will now serve as ambassadors for education throughout the state in the coming year, participating in policy discussions, mentoring other educators, and sharing best practices at conferences and workshops.
Moving Forward: A Blueprint for Educational Excellence
The Teacher and Principal of the Year program is part of Louisiana’s broader efforts to invest in and retain top talent in education.
Recent legislative efforts have increased teacher pay, expanded professional development opportunities, and encouraged leadership training for principals.
Programs like these aim to create a pipeline of excellence, where effective educators are identified early, nurtured, and elevated into leadership roles
. By spotlighting educators like Danielle Collins and Dr. Marcus LeBlanc, the state hopes to inspire the next generation of teachers and leaders to step forward and make a difference.
Conclusion
The 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year awards are more than symbolic honors—they are a celebration of hope, hard work, and the transformative power of education.
As students across the state prepare for the next academic year, they do so knowing that exceptional leaders are guiding their learning journey.
With educators like Collins and LeBlanc setting the bar, Louisiana continues to advance toward a more equitable, inspired, and high-performing education system—one where every student has the opportunity to succeed.