St. Charles Parish Public Schools announced the district-wide winners of this year’s Teacher of the Year contest at its awards ceremony April 15.
Isabella Bradley of Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School, Jessica Cortez of J.B. Martin Middle School and Courtney Berthelot of Destrehan High School are the overall elementary, middle, and high school Teachers of the Year. The district winners will now compete at the state level.
Alexis Cannon, a spokesperson for the school district, said the winners showcased not just what they do in the classroom, but how they think about their work, how they reflect and how they support their school communities.
“They’re dedicated, they care deeply about their students, and they’re always looking for ways to grow and improve,” Cannon said. “At the same time, they’re supported by strong teams at their schools and a district that really prioritizes instruction and collaboration. That combination makes a difference.”
The competition involves application reviews, interviews and observations. A committee made up of district representatives, previous Teachers of the Year and community members is part of the selection process.
“It really looks at the full picture of their work,” Cannon said. “We’re really proud of how they represent the work happening across our schools.”
Bradley, who serves as a dyslexia interventionist, said the competition has given her an opportunity to highlight special moments in her career and celebrate the impact that takes place inside the classroom.
“For me, it is one of the most prestigious achievements in education,” Bradley said. “With this recognition, I want to continue to be a leader at my school and within the parish to demonstrate how one person can make a difference.”
Bradley has dedicated the past 10 years to education in the parish. A graduate of Louisiana State University, she founded the Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School Pep Squad, creating new opportunities for students to showcase their talents and leadership. She has also volunteered as a coach for the Louisiana Special Olympics and contributed as a teacher at Young Writers’ Camp.
Cortez, who has taught for 13 years, said she was in shock when she heard her name called at the award ceremony.
“In that moment, I felt overwhelmed, in the best way, with gratitude for my scholars, my colleagues, and the journey that brought me here,” Cortez said.
Cortez, who teaches students with significant disabilities, said she is most proud of the growth that she sees in her students.
“Many of my scholars face challenges that go far beyond the classroom, so seeing them gain confidence, take risks, and begin to believe in themselves means everything to me,” she said. “Those small moments – when something finally clicks or when the student realizes that they can do it – are what I carry with me. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
Berthelot, who teaches U.S. history, said she enjoys teaching high school because she can help her students realize their potential.
“I am able to help them achieve their goals both in and out of school, something in only a few years they will be figuring out on their own,” Berthelot said.
Berthelot has taught in the parish for over eight years, and she has helped coach volleyball, basketball and soccer. She is also the Beta Club sponsor, and she tutors students through an after-school program. She is a 2006 graduate of Destrehan High School
“To be recognized as SCPPS High School Teacher of the Year means I am continuing the legacy that my teachers established for me, ‘inspiring others to pay it forward,’” she said. “It is also extremely validating to know the difference that I am making in our schools and community.”
In addition to the district winners, 13 educators were recognized as the Teacher of the Year for their respective schools, including Richard Abarr (Hahnville High School), Kendra Barnett (Albert Cammon Middle School), Miranda Boudreaux (Allemands Elementary School), Macie DeJean (Lakewood Elementary School), Laura Gardebled (New Sarpy Elementary School), Leigh Gaubert (St. Rose Elementary School), Jennifer Hogan (Mimosa Park Elementary School), Kristy Mascarella (R.K. Smith Middle School), Lindsay Maxie (Harry Hurst Middle School), Meredith Owens (Norco Elementary School), Ashley Pierce (Carver Early Learning Center), Amanda Shields (R.J. Vial Elementary School), and Shona Singleton (Luling Elementary School).
This year’s award ceremony, which was sponsored by Shell Norco, embraced the theme “The Magic of Education,” and was held at the Lafon Performing Arts Center.
