Three Bossier Parish educators are being recognized by the state and nation for exemplifying excellence.
English Learner Supervisor Kelle Ogilvie has been selected as a member of the 2026-27 Louisiana Department of Education English Learner Fellows Program, a year-long professional learning opportunity designed to build educator leadership and strengthen support for English learners across Louisiana.
Throughout the year, Ogilvie will engage in collaborative learning focused on the Louisiana English Learner Framework, Standards-Based English Instruction, instructional leadership, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable systems that improve outcomes for English learners.
Fellows will have opportunities to learn alongside colleagues from across the state, reflect on local practices, and apply their learning through a job-embedded project designed to support English learners within their school or system.
The Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics has announced that Carrie Culpepper, who teaches at Bellaire Elementary, has been chosen as the LATM Outstanding Elementary School Mathematics Teacher for 2026.
Culpepper will be honored at the upcoming 2026 LATM/LSTA Joint Conference in November.
Another honor goes to Curriculum Coordinator Heather Middlebrooks, who has been named the 2026 Louisiana History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a distinguished award that recognizes exceptional K–12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history.
The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12 American history education—celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators.
Throughout her 12-year career teaching students in grades 7-12, Middlebrooks has taught general and advanced history courses, maintained high academic expectations, and helped students achieve strong results. Beyond the classroom, she has led curriculum development and supported teacher teams across the district. Her record of student achievement and instructional leadership led to her promotion to curriculum coordinator, where she now works to expand access to rigorous, engaging social studies instruction for teachers and students throughout the district.
As the 2026 Louisiana History Teacher of the Year, Middlebrooks will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. She will also join 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The national winner will be announced this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City and will receive a $10,000 grand prize.
We are proud of both of these outstanding educators and congratulate them on these latest honors and continued success.