Vermilion Parish Rising Educators Travel to
ULM for State Conference
Twenty-four aspiring educators from Vermilion Parish traveled to the University of Louisiana at Monroe this week to attend the state Louisiana Educators Rising Conference. Teachers Amy LeBlanc (EHS), Carrie Varino (AHS) and Whitney Myers (NVHS) lead the group. The theme of the conference was “Discover your Legacy.” Students listened to keynote speakers, attended powerful sessions, competed in various competitions and networked with current and aspiring educators from across the state.
Erath High student Aiden Zanders placed second in the Educators Rising Moment competition with his speech about his desire to be a teacher to inspire children who look like him to pursue their dreams. Michelle Spaziante, also an Erath High student, placed second in the Public Speaking competition with her speech about changing the narrative of public education. Erath High students Marlee Caldwell and Kathryn Touchet also competed with powerful speeches that articulated their passion for making a difference as future teachers.
North Vermilion students Naomi Cuccio and Amanda Dinh wrote, illustrated and presented their original children’s book “Grumpy Greg Makes a New Friend” as part of the Children’s Literature competition.
Erath High Educators Rising teacher leader Amy LeBlanc presented a session titled “Seeds of Leadership and Legacy: Nurturing Aspiring Educator Chapters Together" along with other teacher leaders from the Calcasieu Parish School System, Monroe City Schools and Mcneese State University. The purpose of their session was to create a collaborative space to learn and grow together, building a network to foster growth of aspiring teacher chapters across our state.
Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier and Louisiana Principal of the Year Tia Trahan served as keynote speakers, inspiring students and teachers with powerful messages about leading with love.
In hopes of chipping away at our nation-wide teacher shortage, the goal of Educators Rising is to celebrate and elevate the teaching profession, while encouraging young people to pursue education-related career paths. More than that, the program aims to cultivate informed future parents and community members who will in turn pour back into our school system for years to come. This program is a critical piece to the district’s future success, and school leaders are thankful to all the individuals who have helped this program flourish in Vermilion Parish.
For more information about Educators Rising, visit:
https://www.educatorsrisinglouisiana.org
