Louisiana Department of Education

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Professional Development

Recognition Programs Home Page


Recognizing Excellence in Leadership and Instruction

The Division of Professional Development administers a variety of programs that encourage Louisiana educators to reach high professional standards by recognizing outstanding teachers and administrators.


Teacher of the Year Program (TOY)

TOY Logo The Teacher of the Year Program (TOY) is an annual event designed to honor outstanding elementary, middle, and high school teachers from public schools throughout the state of Louisiana. The program, which was established by Acts 134 and 308 of the 1986 Louisiana Legislature, offers an exceptional opportunity to recognize talented teachers at the local, regional, and state levels. Four state-level recipients are selected from among 24 regional honorees to serve as:
  • Louisiana Teacher of The Year,
  • Elementary School Teacher of the Year,
  • Middle/Junior High School Teacher of the Year, and
  • High School Teacher of the Year.


Select the Teacher of the Year logo to access more information on the program, including details on the selection process.

Principal of the Year Program (POY)

Each year, the Principal of the Year Program (POY) recognizes outstanding elementary, middle, and high school principals in Louisiana public education. The program emphasizes the vital contribution that talented leaders make in motivating and supporting school staff as they strive to become effective centers of student learning.

The POY Program recognizes administrators from each local school system who have demonstrated outstanding leadership as building principals. One exceptional principal is named Principal of the Year from among all regional winners. Three additional recipients are honored at the state level:
  • Elementary School Principal of the Year,
  • Middle/Junior High School Principal of the Year, and
  • High School Principal of the Year.

Presidential Awards for Excellence for Mathematics and Science Teaching

PAEMST Logo The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is cosponsored by the White House and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Each year since 1983, the program has recognized outstanding mathematics and science teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions.

Select the Presidential Awards logo for more information on the nomination process in Louisiana.