UNO Teacher Resident Receives Louisiana Board of Regents Nomination 2026

UNO Teacher Resident Receives Louisiana Board of Regents Nomination

Clare Melerine was recently recognized by the Louisiana Board of Regents as an Excellent Future Educator. A Residency 2 teacher candidate from the University of New Orleans currently working with Ms. Jodi Crifasi’s third grade class at Joseph Davies Elementary School, Melerine was nominated for the honor by her professors in the UNO Department of Education in recognition of her strong performance in the classroom.

Melerine was practicing finding text evidence in Social Studies with her students when several of her UNO professors, Davies Principal Glapion, and St. Bernard Parish Public School System administrators arrived to share the exciting news.

Ashleigh Pelafigue, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education in the University of New Orleans Department of Education, said Melerine’s natural ability to connect with students makes her stand out as an educator.

“Clare brings such warmth and kindness to the classroom, and that genuine care for students shines through in everything she does,” Pelafigue said. “She is as dedicated to her students as she is kind, and she carries herself with a level of professionalism that truly sets her apart. Clare is a natural teacher who has clearly found her calling.”

Melerine said she was both surprised and honored by the recognition, crediting the residency program and the mentorship she has received in the classroom.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the UNO residency program and to work alongside a veteran teacher like Ms. Crifasi,” Melerine said. “Being able to learn directly in the classroom has helped prepare me in ways I never could have imagined. This experience has truly helped put me where I need to be to become a certified teacher, and receiving this recognition was a wonderful and unexpected surprise.”

Crifasi said Melerine has been a tremendous presence in the classroom and has built strong relationships with students through her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile.

“Clare has truly gone above and beyond for our students,” Crifasi said. “She’s always there, even attending after-school events and activities, which means so much to the kids and really helps build those strong connections. We’ve been so happy to have her in our classroom this year, and the students absolutely love working with her.”

Melerine will be honored at the Louisiana Board of Regents Future Educator Honor Roll Ceremony at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge on May 6th, alongside other outstanding future educators representing universities from across the state.

Congratulations to this outstanding teacher resident.