2025 Louisiana Teacher of the Year

Elise BOUTIN

rayne high school IN RAYNE Louisiana

A Veteran Educator Making a Difference

Elise Boutin, a seasoned educator with 14 years of experience, serves as a publications and English teacher at Rayne High School. Her innovative approach to education and her commitment to student success have set her apart as a leader in her field.

Reviving Rayne, Alive!

One of Boutin’s notable achievements is the revival of the Rayne, Alive! program. This student-produced YouTube channel has become a vital platform, connecting students with local broadcasting opportunities and giving them a voice in the community. Through this program, students gain valuable media experience and develop skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

Fostering Academic and Community Engagement

Boutin’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. She created a senior project fair, allowing students to showcase their capstone projects in various fields, including academics, career development, and community service. This initiative not only highlights student achievements but also connects them with local business owners, fostering valuable community relationships.

Building Stronger Community Connections

Elise Boutin’s commitment to community involvement is evident in her sponsorship of the Interact Club, a student organization that collaborates with the Rayne Rotary Club on community service projects. Her leadership in this area encourages students to engage with and give back to their community.

Promoting Health and Wellness

In addition to her academic and community efforts, Boutin recently started a cross-country team at Rayne High School. This initiative promotes physical fitness and provides students with an opportunity to participate in a team sport, contributing to their overall well-being.

The Teacher of the Year Process

The process for selecting a Louisiana Teachers of the Year begins at the local level. Each school within every public or public charter school district is eligible to select a Teacher 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 teacher selected.

The Louisiana Department of Education continues a review and evaluation of all District candidates submitted. To learn more about the Teacher 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 Teacher 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 11 Museum in New Orleans. This event is dedicated to recognizing and honoring Louisiana’s outstanding educators, and is jointly sponsored by Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Department of Education in cooperation with the Louisiana Association of Principals.