SBPSB Announces District-Wide Teachers of the Year

St. Bernard Parish Public School System Announces District-wide Teachers of the Year

Chalmette, LA - Three outstanding educators were recently named district-wide Teachers of the Year in St. Bernard Parish. Christina Crego, Casi Kieff, and Kenneth Brown were chosen by a panel of judges to represent the district in the upcoming regional competition for the 2025-2026 Louisiana Teacher of the Year. 

Christina Crego, a third-grade teacher at Arlene Meraux Elementary School, teaches English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and serves as a teacher leader on her third-grade team. She is known for her leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to student growth, both in and out of the classroom. In addition to mentoring colleagues and supporting her team, Crego coaches the school’s Academic Games team and the Honeybees cheer squad. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans and is currently completing her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in reading from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Crego believes in building strong relationships, fostering student ownership, and creating engaging, standards-based learning experiences that challenge and support every child. “My students are the reason I love what I do,” she said. “Seeing them every day is truly a privilege, and they are my why - the purpose behind every lesson, every decision, and every moment in our classroom.”

Casi Kieff, a seventh-grade science teacher at N.P. Trist Middle School, is dedicated to creating an engaging, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all students. A graduate of the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor of Science degree, she brings her strong academic foundation into the classroom by fostering curiosity, encouraging inquiry-based learning, and helping students see themselves as confident young scientists.

Kieff continually works to promote meaningful student engagement through hands-on investigations and collaborative learning opportunities. Her goal is not only to strengthen students’ understanding of scientific concepts but also to inspire a genuine love of learning and an appreciation for the power of their own ideas. She is committed to building a positive, safe classroom where every child feels valued, respected, and supported. “I’ve learned that relationships always come first,” she said. “When students trust you and feel secure, that’s when real learning can happen.”

Kenneth Brown Jr., a ninth-grade mathematics teacher at Chalmette High School, teaches Technical Math, Algebra I, Algebra I*, and Algebra II*. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of New Orleans and serves as a certified teacher, mentor teacher, and floor leader within the school’s Freshman Academy. Brown is known for his steady leadership and his commitment to helping students grow both academically and personally.

Outside the classroom, Brown has contributed to student success through athletics, coaching basketball for nine years and now serving on the coaching staff of the school’s new girls’ flag football team. Whether on the court or in the classroom, he strives to help students become the best versions of themselves - using teamwork, discipline, and perseverance to push past mental barriers and build confidence. “It’s an honor to teach alongside the incredible educators who once taught me,” Brown said. “Representing the Maroon and White at the regional level is something I’m truly proud of.”

Superintendent Doris Voitier said these teachers exemplify the dedication and values that define the district.

“Each of these remarkable educators is devoted to supporting every child, every day,” Voitier said. “They excel in their content areas, but just as importantly, they know how to build strong relationships and inspire their students. We are incredibly proud of Christina, Casi, and Kenneth and are confident they will represent our district with excellence at the next level of competition.”