The stars aligned for two Bossier Parish educators at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans, where one was honored as one of the top first-year teachers in the state and a middle school principal walked away with a big win.
Rusheon Middle School educator Michael Shelton was honored as one of nine New Teacher of the Year state finalists from across Louisiana. Last school year marked Shelton’s first year in education, teaching eighth grade science. He believes strongly in the power of personal connections and is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with his students, believing it is essential to fill multiple roles in their lives.
Jennifer Burris, who has spent the past 25+ years in education, is the principal at Benton Intermediate School. Burris was recognized as a state finalist for Principal of the Year, then went on to be named the 2026 Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year.
“I am thrilled. It is such an honor. There were so many people deserving of this honor, so to be selected for such a prestigious award is very humbling,” Burris said after the awards ceremony.
She calls her faculty and staff “truly the heart of the work” who inspire her, while they praise Burris for being a leader with an open mind-set, a huge heart and who always makes time to listen.
“My ‘why’ has always been to be a change agent in education to make sure all of our kids are getting the absolute best educational experience we can possibly give them,” Burris said. “Why does this mean so much to me? I know firsthand the power of an education and it is the fire that has ignited me from the beginning.”
Burris elaborated, adding “Something very few may know is my story. I was a product of Bossier Schools and, as an economically disadvantaged student, I know firsthand the power of public education. It is the reason I am where I am today. It was the teachers and administrators who poured into me and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to pay it forward.”
Her big push that will continue into the new school year is making sure every student has a place to belong, which has led to the launch of Team Time. Almost 50 teams ranging from e-sports to a chess team are being offered to make sure there is something for everyone.
Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland, who was at the awards ceremony to cheer on Shelton and Burris, said “We are so excited to celebrate these exceptional educators and congratulate them for these honors that are well-deserved. This gives us a lot of motivation as we start the 2025-26 school year.”
Each year the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), in partnership with Dream Teachers, honors the state’s most outstanding educators who demonstrate the highest standards of the profession and a deep commitment to student success.