Jeff Davis Diocese holds first signing day for future teachers – US Press

Twelve seniors at Jeff Davis Parish High School pledged Friday to affirm their dedication to becoming teachers during the district's inaugural signing day for future teachers.

By encouraging students to pursue careers in education, the parish hopes to cultivate a talented group of future teachers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of their students and communities, said Assistant School Superintendent Ben Ostalet.

“Teachers have the power to impact children’s lives,” Ostalet said. “Over 24 years, things have changed, but the influence of children has not. There are so many things out of our control, but we can all show up every day as teachers and influence a child to be better.

The school district teamed up with area universities to host a signature event to highlight the commitment of college-bound high school seniors to pursue careers in education.

Those who earn their teaching certificate and return to teach at the parish during their first three years will receive a signing bonus, Austalet said.

“If I see you at the table after four years, or one of our district employees sees you, and you sit down and commit to coming back to Jeff Davis Parish for the first three years, there will be a signing bonus on the table,” he said. “We are committed to the development of students at Jeff Davis Parish.”

Those who have signed with McNeese State University are Sarah Monique, Jennings High School; Sadie Achan, Hayley Langley, Tori Burrell and Tara Abshire, all from Wells High School; Allie Himmel, Mia Wajesbak and Lainey Landry, all of Lacassine High School; Brendan Trahan, Hathaway High School, Leah Price, Lake Arthur High School.

Leila Oliver, Jennings High, and Riley Schoff of Elton High have committed to Louisiana State University with Mallory Canady, Jennings High, committing to Louisiana State University in Eunice.

Mallory Canada, a senior at Jennings High School, has always had a passion and spark for education that benefits future generations.

“I always wanted to be a teacher,” Kennedy said. “I hope I can have my students learn with the same passion and know they have a place in the world.”

Sadie Achan, a senior at Wells High School, wants to see students expand their knowledge beyond the computer.

“I chose education because students are now doing a lot of their research using Google and not actually learning,” Achan said. “I want to be able to teach so that future students can learn more in the classroom.”

Leila Oliver, a senior at Jennings High School, has wanted to be a teacher since sixth grade. She initially considered pursuing a career as a band teacher, but changed it to agriculture after being inspired by her own teacher following the death of a previous teacher.

“I saw the pain and how upset he was and I realized they had a close relationship and it meant something to him,” she said. “I then realized that I wanted to be that person who could make a difference in students’ lives.”

Jennings High School Math Teacher Jeff Davis Parish High School Teacher of the Year Maria Miller spoke to students about her own experiences as an educator.

“I've been a teacher for 19 1/2 years, but I didn't always want to be a teacher,” Miller said. “My passion in high school was to be a registered nurse. So, I went to college for five years, and I was in my first semester as a doctor, but that didn't go well, so my advisor suggested I change my major to education. So this is the way to go.” “Which I took and never looked back. You never know what life has in store for you.”

Miller began her teaching career at Calcasieu Parish and then moved back to Jeff Davis Parish.

“This has been the most rewarding experience as a teacher,” she continued. “I've seen so many student successes throughout my teaching experience, just seeing their faces when they achieve a goal or pass a test that they know challenges them. They just want to hear 'I'm proud of you' from someone they respect. That makes teaching worthwhile. It's not just about teaching “Not only is it about teaching students math, it's also about shaping young people to be successful adults. I get to be part of their journey and watch them grow. It's great to see them excel in school and in life and to know that I was a part of that.”

Jeff Davis Parrish High School Teacher of the Year Missy Easter, a math teacher at Lake Arthur High School, always wanted to be a teacher. She has taught high school mathematics for seven years.

“I knew when I was 5 that I wanted to be a teacher,” Easter said. “That was always the plan. However, I didn't always plan to return to Jeff Davis Parish. In my first year out of college, I spent a year teaching elsewhere, and at the end of the year when I had the opportunity to return, I took a chance and went straight back to school.” Which I graduated from. When I came back here, I was able to teach alongside many of my former teachers and the support, encouragement and guidance that comes with that is something you don't find anywhere else, just from people who have helped you grow into the teacher you will be.”

Esther told the students that there were many teachers they could turn to for help and encouragement, including herself.

Jeff Davis Parish Elementary Teacher of the Year Devin May, an ELA and social studies teacher at Elton Elementary School, encouraged students to think of Jeff Davis Parish when considering student teaching and future employment. May, who is in her 10th year of teaching, said it has been rewarding to teach so many smart, kind and approachable students and work with some of the best teachers over the years.