Heidi Friloux was always going to be a teacher.
She recalled her mother, Theresa Petit, working as a paraeducator at the elementary school young Heidi attended growing up, and the latter grew accustomed to helping out the teachers before and after school.
“I would go to school with her all the time and help the teachers in the classroom decorate. And I would, of course, play school at home all the time,” Friloux said. “I had some really great teachers growing up. Ms. Barbara Forshag, she was a great role model. She taught us so much about the writing process. I had a large family on both sides … I was always babysitting, helping the family take care of the children. It came kind of naturally.”
Friloux called both of her parents an inspiration as she traveled the road to becoming an educator. She’s now been a teacher for 24 years and currently teaches fifth grade ELA and social studies at St. Rose Elementary.
“Teaching at St. Rose has been an enriching experience,” Friloux said. “I’ve been able to work alongside an exceptional group of educators, administrators, and support staff who have helped me become the teacher I am today. We strive to provide an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where all students can feel valued.”
Friloux has achieved honors in the profession – while at Allemands Elementary, she was named its Teacher of the Year in 2008. Friloux taught special education at Allemands Elementary for eight years.
While the goal is for students to learn proficiently, Friloux said learning is very much a part of the package for teachers as well – learning new curriculums, new colleagues, new students and new parents.
“Teaching is a lifelong journey of learning,” she said. “It all empowers you with a wealth of knowledge, and I continue to take that knowledge and work diligently to enrich learning opportunities, create meaningful experiences and build genuine relationships.”
She said she aims to help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially to help them develop into productive citizens.
Friloux has lived in St. Charles Parish all her life and graduated from Hahnville High School.
“I know I’m a Tiger at heart – but I love my Wildcat babies that I teach,” said Friloux.
Among the biggest challenges she said she faces as a teacher is helping her students make the connection that their education now will shape who they become in the future – that realization can make all the difference for a child.
“I want them to know how sacred their life and educational journey is and embrace every opportunity that is offered to them,” she said. “You’re helping mold who they are for the future.”
Working with younger students is something she has always found very rewarding.
“In the fifth grade, you’re at that level where you still want to be a kid and they don’t fully get that picture yet. They’re so innocent and resilient, and some of them really want to make you proud of them,” she said. “You see the smiles on their faces when they finally get something and that’s so great.”
Friloux also mentors new and resident teachers.
One thing that always makes it all worth it is when she sees or hears back from a former student or a parent years later.
“When they send you a thank you message that begins with, ‘Because of you,’ it’s those little messages that warm your heart and signify the difference you truly made in their lives,” Friloux said. “The most rewarding part of being a teacher is making those strong connections to my students and their families – it’s lifelong relationships that develop and I always love to hear from them.”
