Louisiana announces top educators at annual excellence gala

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), in collaboration with Dream Teachers, celebrated the state's leading educators at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala held at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The event included the announcement of the 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year, along with awards for Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year, and New Teacher of the Year.

The top state honorees for 2026 are:

- Louisiana Teacher of the Year: Regena Hartley Beard from Zachary Community School District

- Louisiana Principal of the Year: Justin Wax from Livingston Parish

- Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year: Brooklynn Johnson-Botley from Allen Parish

- Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year: Devonda Whittington-Warren from Tangipahoa Parish

- Louisiana New Teacher of the Year: Olivia Francois from Ascension Parish

"Student success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes talented, determined educators who are focused on results," stated Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education. "The professionals we honored tonight are leading the charge behind Louisiana’s academic progress."

Regena Hartley Beard teaches fifth-grade science and sixth-grade robotics and STEM at Copper Mill Elementary in Zachary Community School District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a STEM concentration. Beard is recognized for her innovative science teaching methods and has received several prestigious awards.

Justin Wax serves as principal at Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish. His leadership has brought significant recognition to his school, including national accolades as a Top Gains Honoree and inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Middle Schools lists.

Brooklynn Johnson-Botley, working at Kinder Head Start in Allen Parish, has over a decade's experience in early childhood education. She emphasizes fostering a lifelong love for learning among young students.

Devonda Whittington-Warren leads Explore and Learn Early Learning Center in Tangipahoa Parish with over 30 years dedicated to early childhood education, believing it lays a foundation for lifelong success.

Olivia Francois teaches civics at Dutchtown High School in Ascension Parish. A graduate student recognized for her leadership potential, she brings personal dedication to her teaching role.

In addition to these honors, other recognitions were given to division-level honorees across various categories and recipients of other notable awards like the Milken Educator Award.

The LDOE continues its commitment to acknowledging educators who significantly impact students' lives through its annual awards programs.

For further details on LDOE’s educator recognition initiatives, visit their official website.