2024 Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year Finalists!
We received some amazing nominees for our Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year campaign … nominated by parents, students, colleagues, neighbors, and friends … all who have made a difference in the lives of students and who motivate and inspire those around them. Selecting the top 10 finalists from all of the nominations proved to be a very difficult task.
A team of objective judges will determine the Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year from the 10 finalists below, and the winner will be announced on Monday, May 6th!
Top 10 Finalists
Bridgette Ford – Gonzales Middle School, Ascension
{Nominated by :: Sara Hodge} My son took English Honors with Bridgette last year and I will continue to sing her praises. She absolutely exemplifies what it means to be a great teacher. Her students are her babies and even when they’ve moved on to high school and aren’t in her class anymore, she’s there for support. Just a couple things: Bridgette has personally done for my child.. every year she takes her Honors class on some type of outing. Last year, with the community’s help, she raised enough money to take all of her English Honors students to the Saenger in New Orleans to see To Kill A Mockingbird, she also used the money saved to provide transportation and dinner for the kids and chaperones. She’s offered, with welcome arms to be a reference on any job applications or college applications my son applies for. And she’s offered to be a listening ear for him and for me. I appreciate her still to this day and wish all teachers were like her. She works in a school that has a large portion of students below the poverty level and she uplifts them and encourages them to explore their passions and overcome the circumstances they’re currently in.
Jherica Kelly – East Feliciana Enrichment Academy East Feliciana Parish
{Nominated by :: Nikisha Kelly, Belinda Kelly, Sandra Kelly & Jermiser Kelly} Jherica has dedicated approximately 13 years to East Feliciana. She is by far one of the best mathematicians that I know. Outside of her great knowledge for Math, she wears many hats to meet the needs of her students and the needs of their school. She prepares the students with knowledge needed to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. Her genuine love runs so deep that even after graduating college her students still call and visit her to express their love and appreciation. As a staff member she goes above and beyond to be supportive of the other teachers and especially the principal. Jherica stepped in this school year to teach a math class at an additional school to assist with teacher shortages so the students would not miss out on math before taking the standardized test. She also provides tutoring in the after school program. Jherica is currently a doctoral candidate at Southern University and a baseball mom. She has a beautifully active 2 year old and star 9 year old travel baseball player. She gives 100% to every task she’s faced with. All of her students love her high expectations and tough love they receive daily. I can not think of someone more deserving.
Nekeia Archangel – Natalbany Middle School & Tangipahoa
{Nominated by :: Brittany Neal} In a world where educators play a vital role in shaping young minds, Ms. Archangel stands out as an exceptional candidate for Red Sticks Mom Teacher of the Year. With a heart full of compassion and a spirit of service, her dedication to the students and her community is truly remarkable.
As a special education teacher, she has a unique and invaluable role in the lives of her students. She provides them with the individualized support and care they need to thrive academically and personally. Her patience, empathy, and ability to adapt to teaching methods to meet their diverse needs makes her an exceptional educator.
Her incredible ability to create an environment where children with special needs feel enthusiastic about coming to school. Her passion for teaching shines through in her engaging lessons and creative approaches. She understands the unique learning styles and needs of her students, and her teaching skills empower them to thrive academically. Despite their challenges, these incredible children not only learn but also excel under her guidance.
But her contributions don’t stop there! She also coaches athletic sports, which shows her commitment to the holistic development of the students. By encouraging them to participate in sports, she promotes teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle and a opportunity out of the poverty the most of the students experience .
And let’s not forget about her willingness to step in as a school bus driver when needed. She demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile for the students and the entire school community. She truly embodies the spirit of a team player, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has a heartwarming connection with the students. Her genuine care and nurturing nature make her more than just a teacher to them – she’s like a mom. Her students feel safe, supported, and loved because of the nurturing environment she creates.
Beyond her military service, Ms.Archangel’s generosity knows no bounds. In a heartwarming acts of kindness she provide coats and shoes , toys to any child in need . She never looks for a thank you or any recognition for her kind gestures. The joy and gratitude on the faces of the children who received these acts of love were immeasurable, and it showcased her unwavering commitment to ensuring no child goes without.
She has all the qualities of an outstanding educator and mother– kindness, intelligence, creativity, dedication, and a nurturing spirit.
Renisha Spriggs – Port Allen Elementary | West Baton Rouge Parish
{Nominated by :: Multiple Students, Parents & CoWorkers} This teacher dedicates herself daily to her students that are special needs students and she treats them as if they are her on 4 months old baby. She gives her students and her babies her all. She is a great teacher and a great mom. She is a special teacher that is sent by God and she is also, a special mom that is special mom that is sent by God. She is very professional in her job and she loves what she does.
Renisha deserve to win Red Stick Mom’s Teacher of the Year because she goes beyond just teaching but she instills love, comfort, provides a safe environment and enjoys watching her children grow with her and as the year grows.
Rosetta Bynum – Zachary Community Schools
{Nominated by :: Kristina Bynum} I have seen with my own eyes and through the eyes of those around me of just how many lives my mother has touched, both mine, and the many students she has taught in her 30 years of teaching. There has never been a time where she didn’t believe in her students, never a time where she didn’t give her best, and never a time where she didn’t try her hardest to connect with each and every personality that walked in and out of her classroom.
In her many years of teaching, she has sponsored various organizations from the ZHS Cheerleading Team to Future Business Leaders of America where she coached students on how to present themselves to the world in a way that would allow them to succeed.
With each lesson she plans, she often gets feedback on if it will engage the students, as well as completing activities and assignments herself to make sure that not only could the students complete it, but to make sure that they learned what was necessary, and that she could help them in anyway.
My mother is an extraordinary woman, a phenomenal teacher, and the best mom I could ever ask for. There are so many who are deserving of this award; however, bearing witness firsthand to all of her hard work and perseverance in her career, in motherhood, and in life, I can personally guarantee that if anyone deserves this award, it is her!
Sandi Bourque – Lakeside Primary in Ascension Parish
{Nominated by :: Destiny Coleman} Sandi is the definition of a teacher with heart and passion! She loves what she does and every student on her campus, not just in her classroom. She not only is a teacher leader on her campus, as a mentor, but she also is the sponsor of the school’s Beta Club. She supports her students growth in the classroom through tracking their goals throughout the year. She also celebrates their growth in social and communication skills as they navigate the big world. She has one class rule, Be Kind, because she believes that anything done out of kindness, even mistakes, can be discusses and resolved. She keeps a care closet with hair supplies, hygiene products and snacks, so that no student has a barrier with learning. She takes teaching to another level when she shows up to extra curricular events for her students. She has attended baseball, basketball, football and soccer games, as well as cheer competitions and dance recitals. She was voted teacher of the year by her peers, because they also recognize her dedication and commitment to everything she does. Sandi deserves to be recognized for being a role model to her peers and students! She is the teacher that every student knows they can celebrate any success with, in her class and beyond!
Becky Templeton – Pointe Coupee
{Nominated by :: Christy Savoie} Ms. Becky is the teacher that holds together our elementary dept. She mentors her co teachers, students, and other staff members. She teaches her students as individuals. She shows love, dedication, compassion, and determination, everyday. Ms. Becky rarely takes a day off. She is a mother of two. Her children are athletes. After a day of teaching, Ms. Becky attends are children’s practices/games, which takes up most of her free time. She rarely has “me time”. Ms. Becky is an amazing teacher, co worker, mother, and great person.
Dawn Burton – Episcopal School of Baton Rouge
{Nominated by :: Vito Cheong} Dawn Burton is the 2024 Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Upper School Newton Distinguished Faculty Award recipient. Each year, school administrators recognize a talented and thriving faculty member from each division with the award. The recipients receive a stipend to support their continued professional development.
“Beyond her role in the classroom, Dawn Burton is a lifelong learner, continually seeking professional development through workshops, publications, and discussions about language and literature education,” says Upper School Division Head Tom Forti. “She works hard to be a supportive colleague, mentor and guide to those around her, and collaborates with her talented and diverse Episcopal coworkers, saying she has so much to learn from them.”
Recently, Dawn studied artificial intelligence and the technology’s potential impact on the classroom. She is no stranger to education technology, as in 2017, Dawn received first prize in The Henry Ford “Innovation Nation” Teacher Innovator of the Year awards.
Dawn’s extensive travels positively impact her Upper School English classroom experiences. She began teaching at a Montessori school in China and spent more than a decade teaching in Belgium before moving to Louisiana. Now a veteran educator, Dawn offers university-inspired, non-traditional learning experiences. “She works hard to foster innovation and encourage her students to explore, indulge their curiosity, experiment, and discover thoughtfully through project-based learning,” says Forti.
Dawn prepares students to be strategic thinkers and future leaders. We hope you’ll select her as the 2024 Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year in recognition of her dedication to the next generation.
Lt. Col. Shirley Sutton – Northeast High School, East Baton Rouge Parish
{Nominated by :: Shawona Ross} Col. Sutton is one of the hardest working women I know. From teaching our JROTC cadets, to planning cadet challenges and military balls, to driving our activity bus after school, she does it all! She loves to follow the rules and she loves to see our students and our school win! She is a champion for what is right and she tries her best to make sure our students are great citizen, who are respectful to each other and to our country. She is always willing to lend a hand to help others and never asks for anything in return. I highly recommend her for this honor because every once in a while, those who stand in the background deserves a little time in the spotlight.
Raven Cole – University View Academy, Foundation for Louisiana Students
{Nominated by :: Shelby Matthews} As the little sister of Raven Cole, I am in awe of the remarkable contributions she has made as an educator, particularly in her role as a 9-12th grade career and technical education teacher at University View Academy in Baton Rouge. Raven’s dedication to her students and her innovative approach to teaching have truly set her apart. She is a semi finalist for the LDOE Teacher of the year program! She has been a pioneer for virtual learning, and this year, is partnering with LSU to pilot hybrid Aquaponics and digital storytelling courses to the students at her school.
One of Raven’s most notable accomplishments is her role in developing the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication Jumpstart pathway at UVA, focusing on students who will go to trade schools. This program not only provides students with essential skills in visual design and communication but also prepares them for certification as Adobe Certified Professionals. Raven’s expertise in this area is evident, as she herself holds certification in Visual Design using Photoshop and is recognized as an Adobe Creative Innovator!
Moreover, Raven’s commitment to integrating technology and real-world applications into her curriculum is truly outstanding. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her students are equipped with the digital skills necessary for success in today’s workforce. From incorporating generative AI into her lessons to spearheading digital portfolios at her school, Raven is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the classroom.
But perhaps what sets Raven apart the most is her dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments. She understands the importance of embracing diversity and providing opportunities for all students to succeed. Raven sponsors three student-led clubs – Garden Club, Cafe Cole, and TEDed Student Talks – each of which celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of its members.
Additionally, Raven’s commitment to community connection is truly admirable. She believes that education should extend beyond the classroom walls and actively seeks opportunities to engage her students with their communities. Whether through service projects, guest speakers, or virtual meetings, Raven ensures that her students are actively involved in shaping the world around them.
In conclusion, Raven Cole’s accomplishments as an educator are nothing short of extraordinary. Her dedication to her students, her innovative approach to teaching, and her commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments make her a true inspiration to all who know her. As her little sister, I am incredibly proud of the impact she has had on the lives of her students.
Not only will the winner be crowned the 2024 Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year, but s/he will also win the fabulous prize package giveaway valued at $1,400+ including:
- Skincare products including 4 EltaMd and 2 SkinCeuticals from Sanova Dermatology {value of $315}
- A 1 hour photo session gift certificate (conditions and limitations apply), 60+ digital images, and a full color online gallery from Evermore Stories {value of $300}
- 1 case of wine, including 1 bottle each of from Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Riesling, Chateau Ste Michelle Light Chardonnay, Chateau Ste Michelle Light Sauvignon Blanc, Liquid Light Pinot Grigio, Liquid Light Chardonnay, 14 Hands Sweet Red Blend, 14 Hands Buttery Chardonnay, 14 Hands Unicorn Rose Bubbles, A to Z Rose, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV, Intrinsic Cabernet, Erath Pinot Noir from Chateau Ste. Michelle {value of $220}
- A selection of Pelican’s new 2023/24 kids books including Someone in Louisiana Loves You Five, Little Termites, Gator’s Big Mouth, Michael the Wildlife, Detective, Greta’s Gumbo, I know My Louisiana Colors, King Cake ABCs, Rougarou at Mardi Gras, King of the Shoebox Parade, Gumbo Weather, Rainbow Rodney + more from Arcadia Publishing {value of $200}
- A $100 gift card from Tasc {value of $100}
- A Quatrefoil cuff from Mimosa Handcrafted Jewelry {value of $69}
- Basket of products from Pigtails & Crewcuts {value of $50}
- A $75 gift card from Bra Genie {value of $75}
- A $50 gift card from The Crown Bistro {value of $50}
- evamor swag {value of $75} and a case of evamor water from evamor {value of $50}
The fine print (please read in full before entering) :: Per the IRS guidelines, the winner will receive a Form 1099 from Red Stick Mom for tax purposes since the value of the giveaway package exceeds a value of $600.
