Comeaux named state semi-finalist

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

The Louisiana Department of Education announced its 2024 Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists and New Teacher of the Year finalists. These 57 teachers and principals represent schools and systems across the state.
Twenty-four teachers and 24 principals have been named Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists. Nine teachers have been named New Teacher of the Year finalists.
Timothy Comeaux, junior high teacher at Chataignier Elementary, will represent Evangeline Parish as a Louisiana Teacher of the Year semi-finalist. Jackie Prudhomme, Chataignier Elementary, elementary district winner; and Deepthi Nalli, Ville Platte High School, high school district winner, were also recognized.
Superintendent Darwan Lazard commended all three teachers on their achievements, saying, “Congratulations. I am proud of all of you. I couldn’t think of any three better to represent Evangeline Parish.”
Grace Sibley stated the three teachers “have put in hundreds of hours of preparation, showing community involvement and involvement with the parents and families of their students. They are strong leaders and learners.” She added, “We are so well represented every year and have a great track record in our district. We have had at least a state semi-finalist in each of the last eight years. I am so proud of you. The state department is highly impressed with how well we do each year.” Sibley also said she had never seen a team work so well together as they did.
Comeaux stated, “It is a blessing and an honor to be recognized. We don’t do it for the recognition, but it is nice. It has been great working together and having great support from the district. It is a blessing to impact lives on a daily basis.”
Prudhomme shared, “This process allowed me to look at myself and reflect on what I do and need to do as a teacher.” Nalli added, “(This process) allowed me to go back and see all I did and check all of my accomplishments that I didn’t realize I had done.”
“Schools across Louisiana are beginning to make significant gains thanks to the commitment of our teachers and principals to remain focused on what matters most - improving academic outcomes,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley in a statement. “Congratulations to Louisiana’s Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists and our New Teacher of the Year finalists. They represent the many dedicated professionals leading our Louisiana Comeback.”
All Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists and New Teacher of the Year finalists will be honored at the 17th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 22. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.
The LDOE 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. This is the second year of the state’s New Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of first-year classroom teachers.
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. Additional information about these awards programs is available on the LDOE website.