LSUA is proud to announce that Danette Cormier, a founding member of the LSUA Children’s Center, has been nominated for the 2026 Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. Cormier was nominated through the Rapides Early Childhood Network (RECN), led by Cynthia Rushing of the Rapides Parish School Board, following a competitive review of nominees submitted from centers across the parish.
The Louisiana Department of Education’s Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year program honors educators who create nurturing, developmentally rich learning environments that prepare young children for long-term academic success. Nominees undergo a rigorous, multi-step process that includes submitting certifications, degrees, and CLASS scores, the state’s research-based assessment measuring the quality of teacher and child interactions. Candidates must also complete written reflections and submit a filmed lesson demonstrating intentional instructional design and meaningful engagement with children. Finalists will move forward to spring interviews, with statewide honorees celebrated during the 2026 Teacher Leader Summit and recognized at events throughout the following academic year.
Cormier’s nomination is evidence of her extraordinary dedication to early childhood education. With 25 years of service at the LSUA Children’s Center, she has impacted generations of families and children through her compassion, expertise, and creativity. She has worked with every age group in the Center and currently teaches in the Toddler 1 classroom, serving children ages 12–18 months. Cormier holds an Associate of Early Childhood Education from LSUA, serves as Assistant Director, and provides ongoing mentoring and coaching to fellow lead teachers and staff. Known for her innovative use of classroom materials and intentional focus on language development, she consistently models the type of high-quality instruction that positions children for lifelong success.
The LSUA Children’s Center remains committed to its mission of providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that supports children, families, and the broader community. Cormier’s nomination reflects the Center’s longstanding tradition of excellence and its deep investment in early childhood educators who change lives every day.
LSUA celebrates Danette Cormier’s outstanding achievement and looks forward to supporting her throughout the statewide selection process.
Written by Adam Lord
Photo credit – Nathan Parish