2025 Louisiana Principal of theYear

AMANDA LAFOLLETTE

Mansfield elementary - deSoto parish

With Mrs. LaFollette's guidance, Mansfield Elementary has flourished. It embodies DeSoto Parish Schools' core values of high performance, a positive and caring culture, making a difference, and preserving our small-town traditions. It showcases the outstanding leadership and dedication within our community. 

Superintendent Clay Corley stated, "It's truly awesome to see Mrs. LaFollette receive this prestigious award. Her impact is immeasurable, and her influence is a shining example of #TheDeSotoDifference in action. I couldn't be prouder of her and the Mansfield Elementary community for this well-deserved honor."

Student outcomes at Mansfield Elementary School have improved significantly this past school year. Mansfield Elementary serves as the pilot school for DeSoto Parish Schools' Student Wellness program and has been named a model of excellence for literacy by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Director of Administration, Mr. Brandon Burback also praised Mrs. LaFollette’s achievements by saying, "We are so proud of Mrs. LaFollette! She has always exhibited a passion for caring for those she serves. Her ability to skillfully implement strategy, paired with her desire to create a positive and caring culture, exemplifies the value of high performance. Thank you, Mrs. LaFollette, for your dedication and devotion to those that you serve." 

Mrs. Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning, commended Mrs. LaFollette’s commitment to excellence and said, "It is such a joy to see Mrs. LaFollette honored for her impact and continues to make at MES. Her hard work and dedication to excellence is an inspiration to us all." 

As a native of DeSoto Parish, Mrs. LaFollette began her education career in the school system as a math teacher at Mansfield High School in 2002. She taught math for fourteen years at Mansfield High School, where she served as the cheerleader and the initial sponsor of the National Beta Club. After she served as a career teacher, Mrs. LaFollette became a Master Teacher in 2016, supporting math teachers both at Mansfield High School and Mansfield Middle School. LaFollette's stint as Mansfield Elementary School's Principal began in the 2020-2021 school year.  Her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff have set a remarkable standard for excellence. Her innovative approach and heartfelt passion for education have not only driven our school to achieve significant academic success but also created a warm, supportive environment where each student feels valued and empowered.

Principal LaFollette states that this honor is representative to the hard work of her staff and students: "I am so grateful for this recognition, which has provided me with the opportunity to showcase the excellent work that everyone at Mansfield Elementary School does every day. I was called to education to make a difference in the lives of children who need it the most, and I am so blessed that Desoto Parish has given me the privilege to do that. Being honored for doing what I love is truly unbelievable."

The Principal of the Year Process

The process for selecting a Louisiana Principal of the Year begins at the local level. Each school within every public or public charter school district is eligible to select a Principal of the Year subject to their own selection criteria. Those individual local school nominations are sent to the District level for further review and consideration.

Each District Superintendent or public charter school District may select three outstanding teachers to forward to the State Department of Education for competition at the state level. Of the three District nominations, there will be one elementary, one middle school, and one high school principal selected.

The Louisiana Department of Education continues a review and evaluation of all District candidates submitted. To learn more about the Principal of the Year selection process, contact LDOE at louisianabelieves.com/teaching/award-programs. Questions regarding the selection process or on-line applications should be directed to the department.

The 2024 Louisiana Principal of the Year will be announced at the 2023 Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala to be held on July 22, 2023 at the World War II Museum in New Orleans.  This event is dedicated to recognizing and honoring Louisiana’s outstanding principals, and is jointly sponsored by Dream Teachers, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Association of Principals.