Disclosure :: A very special thank you to the sponsors that have made this giveaway possible and to our loyal readers, especially Ancient Lore Village. 

2026 Lafayette Mom Teacher of the Year Finalists!

We received some amazing nominees for our Lafayette 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 Lafayette Mom Teacher of the Year from the 10 finalists below, and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 27th!

Top 10 Finalists

Amber Withers — Lafayette Parish School System 

{Nominated by :: Kolby} One of Amber’s greatest strengths is her ability to make agriculture come alive. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, she incorporates interactive projects, livestock care, and practical experiences that allow students to truly understand the industry. Whether it’s working in the shop, preparing for competitions, or managing supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), her students gain skills that are both meaningful and applicable in real life. She ensures that every student, regardless of their background, feels included and capable of succeeding in agriculture.

In addition to her teaching skills, Amber is an incredible mentor. She invests time in her students, encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things. Through FFA involvement, leadership events, and competitions, she helps students discover their strengths and develop confidence in themselves. She celebrates their victories—big or small—and supports them through challenges, always reminding them of their potential.

Amber also sets high expectations, pushing her students to do their best while providing the guidance they need to get there. She teaches responsibility, work ethic, and perseverance—qualities that are essential not only in agriculture but in life. Her classroom is a place where students learn accountability, teamwork, and pride in their work.

Amie Rogers — Episcopal School of Acadiana

{Nominated by :: Lauren Olivero} I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this opportunity than Amie. Life has tested her in ways most people will never understand. And yet, every single day, she shows up. She shows up for her students, for her art, and for the people around her with strength, grace, and heart. As a teacher, Amie is the kind that changes lives. She gives her students more than lessons, she gives them confidence, creativity, and a place where they feel safe and valued. Even while carrying so much, she continues to create beautiful work in ceramics and inspire others to do the same. She is the definition of resilience.

Emma Falgout — Cpl. Michael Middlebrook Elementary, LPSS

{Nominated by :: Yvette Weber, Kathryn Terpening, Timothy Poché, Kat Langford, Cynthia Duhon, Kathie Terpening and Jenny Sonnier} Emma is one of the best teachers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is extremely creative and gives her whole heart to her students. She is a helpful coworker and can be found participating and volunteering with school activities through the year. Everyone loves her. She is a ray of sunshine and gives her whole heart to this profession. 

She loves starting these kindergartners on the right food. She loves giving them the tools to learn. She has a whimsical personality making it fun to learn with Ms. Falgout. She shows up for them with a smile on her face, donning a fun outfit and a positive attitude, even when it’s hard. She always goes above and beyond to keep her students feeling cared for and supported! Emma is exactly where she’s meant to be, and she was truly built to be an incredible educator. She shares her great ideas with the other kindergarten teachers.

Prior to our child being assigned a kindergarten teacher, Ms. Falgout was a welcoming soul during meet and greet. She was enthusiastic and kind. She then became the permanent teacher for our child and she was unwavering of who she was as a teacher. She welcomes all. She participates in the school’s special events. It is easy to get caught up in her joy of teaching, which has to be so beneficial for her students. Other family members have met her and expressed similar sentiments. A main component being her special gift of communication with the students. She is a rare gem and we are beyond thankful for her. 

Kristina Billiot — Lafayette High School, LPSS 

{Nominated by :: Justin Delaney} This teacher truly embodies what it means to go above and beyond for her students and school community. As the head of football operations while also supporting programs like bowling, swimming, and FBLA, she invests countless hours into creating opportunities for students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Her recognition as FBLA Advisor of the Year and Teacher of the Year reflects not only her dedication, but the real impact she has on students’ lives.

Beyond her professional achievements, she serves on the leadership committee, helping shape the direction and culture of the school. Even more impressive, she balances all of this while being a devoted mother of three, showing her ability to lead with compassion, organization, and strength.

She doesn’t just teach—she mentors, leads, and inspires. Her commitment, versatility, and genuine care for students make her more than deserving of Lafayette Mom’s Teacher of the Year.

Lauren Hatley — Woodvale Elementary, LPSS 

{Nominated by :: Meredith Hatley} My mom doesn’t just teach second grade, she runs a classroom of big ideas. Teaching gifted second graders is like teaching high-energy hyenas who all have a 100 why questions every day. She deserves to be Teacher of the Year because she doesn’t just give them the answers, mom teaches them how to find them. At our house, the dining table always is covered with painting kits, logic puzzles, and stacks of books about black holes, colonial times, and Australia’s most deadly predators. I’ve seen her stay up late researching random topics like bioluminescent jellyfish just because one of her students asked about it that day.

She’s the teacher who understands that being gifted sometimes means having big brains but even bigger feelings. She’s the one who keeps a calm-down center, which she calls an opportunity desk, filled with brain teasers and fidgets for when the frustration of a hard problem feels too much. She treats her students like they’re her own. In her classroom, it’s okay to be different, quirky or even obsessed with dinosaurs. She taught me and her students that having a fast brain is a gift, but being kind is a choice. She’s building more than just smart kids. She’s building leaders who aren’t afraid to fail. My mom is the heart of her school. She isn’t just following a lesson plan; she’s bringing up inventors and dreamers. 

Maggie Wise — Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

{Nominated by :: Janee Viator} As a parent, one of the most remarkable experiences has been watching my very shy son grow under her guidance. At the beginning of the year, he was quiet, reserved, and hesitant to engage. She approached him with patience, understanding, and encouragement, never rushing him but instead meeting him exactly where he was. Over time, that consistent support helped him feel safe and confident in the classroom. Now, he has come completely out of his shell—and he does not stop talking about her. That alone speaks volumes about the positive and lasting impression she has made on him.

Beyond his social growth, I have seen incredible progress in his academic development. He is learning new concepts, building foundational skills, and showing excitement about what he is learning each day. It is clear that she creates an engaging and nurturing learning environment where students feel motivated to participate and succeed.

Seeing this much growth in my child reassures me that she is doing something right and more than that, she is going above and beyond what is expected of a teacher. She is shaping confident, curious, and kind young learners. For her patience, dedication, and the profound difference she makes in the lives of her students, she is more than deserving of being recognized as Teacher of the Year.

Regan Zeringue — Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

{Nominated by :: Amanda St. Julien and Kelly Eldridge} Both of my daughters were in Mrs. Zeringue’s class for second grade. Regan is a very calm and relaxing presence in her classroom while maintaining consistency and a level of comfort with her students that provides the best environment for learning and growth to occur. My daughters both grew academically, in their faith and emotionally while in her class. We will forever be grateful for second grade with Mrs. Zeringue.

Mrs. Zeringue has been such a gift to our family, and I would be honored to nominate her for Teacher of the Year. She has taught two of my sons in second grade, and she has been the favorite teacher of both of them. That alone says so much, but even more than that, she has made a lasting impact on our family. She teaches her students so well, but she also loves them so well. She has a special way of making each child feel seen, special, and important. She makes learning exciting and helps her students feel happy and confident to come to school each day. My boys both loved being in her class, and it was clear to us how much joy, kindness, and care she brings into the classroom.

Mrs. Zeringue is the kind of teacher who gives so much of herself. She is loving, joyful, encouraging, and deeply invested in her students. She does more than teach academics, she helps children feel valued and capable, and that is something they carry with them long after the school year ends. There are so many wonderful things I could say about her, and I am just so thankful that both of my boys had the opportunity to be in her class.

Shannan Ridgdell — Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

{Nominated by :: Nicole Bourque} Shannan Ridgdell has made such a lasting impact on my son’s educational journey that when we found out she would be his third-grade teacher after having him in first grade, we were absolutely over the moon. Her support, communication, and genuine investment in her students are truly unmatched. She consistently keeps me informed not only about my son’s academic growth, but also about his confidence, leadership, kindness, and the friendships he is building in the classroom. Having had the privilege of seeing her guide him across multiple grade levels, I have witnessed firsthand how she nurtures both learning and character in a way that leaves a lasting impression. She knows how to challenge students while also making them feel safe, capable, and excited to come to school each day. Her thoughtful communication and ability to truly know each child as an individual create a level of trust and partnership with families that is both rare and invaluable. She is the kind of educator who shapes not only strong students, but strong people, making her exceptionally deserving of Teacher of the Year.

Shelly Breaux — Cpl. Michael Middlebrook Elementary, LPSS

{Nominated by :: Sarah Arnold} Ms. Shelly Breaux has devoted countless hours to inspiring her students, not only by sharing her passion and knowledge of the arts, but also by mentoring the next generation of educators (including myself). Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as she continues to grow as a lifelong learner while pursuing her Master’s degree and more.

To know her is truly to love her—she’s vibrant, quirky, and full of life. Above all, she has a genuine heart for her students, creating a classroom environment that feels like a warm hug to everyone who walks through her door. While observing her classes, I witnessed several students return to her doorway just to say they hello. I believe that speaks to her character far more than any classroom statistics can.

Nicole Copeland — Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

{Nominated by :: Madison Hebert} This teacher has given my daughter the encouragement to learn and be who she is! She had a very hard time in the beginning years of school! This year, my daughter has been welcomed with open arms to learning and knowing that she is worthy of anything! I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher to understand my daughter! She is silly with her, she always helps her when it is needed, and she loves her while we are at work. She is someone that has built my daughter up in a short amount of time. Mrs. Copeland has given all of us hope this year, and we can’t thank her enough.

Not only will the winner be crowned the 2026 Lafayette Mom Teacher of the Year, but s/he will also win the fabulous prize package giveaway valued at $1,200+ including:

The fine print (please read in full before entering) :: Per the IRS guidelines, the winner will receive a Form 1099 from Lafayette Mom for tax purposes since the value of the giveaway package exceeds a value of $600.