HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University alumna Phoenix LeBlanc of Denham Springs has been selected as the Louisiana New Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education. LeBlanc, who teaches at Albany Middle School, was one of only nine finalists selected from across the state. This is the second year of the state’s New Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of first-year classroom teachers.
LeBlanc received a bachelor of science degree in biology with a concentration in education from Southeastern, and she strives to engage students in the practice of science through utilizing meaningful real-world phenomena that students investigate both inside and outside the classroom.
In addition to her teaching duties, LeBlanc also serves as the head cheerleading coach and is a sponsor of the Science Club. The club focuses on exploring various fields of science and improving the community.
Along with the other eight New Teacher of the Year finalists, LeBlanc will serve as a New Teacher Advisor for the New Teacher Experience.
LeBlanc was honored at the 17th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, held earlier this summer at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.