St. Bernard Parish Public School System Announces Teacher of the Year
Twelve exceptional educators were recently recognized by the St. Bernard Parish Public School System as its Teachers of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year. This honor, selected by fellow educators and bestowed on one outstanding educator at each school, celebrates excellence in classroom practices and school leadership.
These teachers will next compete at the district level as a panel of judges conduct interviews to select an elementary, middle, and high school district winner. Those three parish-wide winners then compete for statewide consideration later this year.
This year’s winners include:
Elementary School Teachers of the Year
- Arabi Elementary | Jonathan Williams
- Arlene Meraux Elementary | Anthony Martino
- Chalmette Elementary| Jessica Battaglia
- Joseph J. Davies | Monica Oggs
- J. F. Gauthier | Shannon Ruiz
- Lacoste Elementary | Melissa Dusang
- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary | Edna Cagnolatti
Middle School Teachers of the Year
- Andrew Jackson Middle School | Jewel Morgan
- N. P. Trist Middle School | Marcey Fradella
- St. Bernard Middle School | Christina McCarta
- Rowley Alternative | Erika Lowe
High School Teachers of the Year
- Chalmette High School | Lynda Rost
The St. Bernard Parish Public School System has a long history of its teachers being recognized at the state level, including three statewide winners. Most recently, the 2023 Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year was Justin Templet while the 2022 Louisiana Teacher of the Year was Annelise Cassar Tedesco. Both currently teach at their alma mater, Chalmette High School.
Superintendent Doris Voitier said this year’s winners are great examples of the excellence that takes place each day in classrooms across the district. “Being a teacher has never been as challenging or important as it is now,” she said. “We are so grateful for our school-wide winners and blessed to have them working with our students. I know each will represent us well and am proud to recognize their outstanding contributions to our school community. Each is truly leaving a legacy of learning.” 
