Lafayette Educator Named Elementary Teacher of the Year

Lafayette, LA – J. Joy Stalnaker, a first-grade French Immersion teacher at Myrtle Place Elementary, has been named the Louisiana Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Stalnaker’s innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication to her students’ success were highlighted by Lafayette Parish Schools Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. “Her remarkable impact on her students and her role as a leader in education make her a true example of teaching excellence,” Touchet said. “She fosters a love of learning and pride in Louisiana for all her students.”

Stalnaker teaches not only French language, but also math, science, and social studies to her young learners. The Lafayette Parish School System is proud of all its educators and also extends congratulations to Morgan Toups, an educator at David Thibodeaux STEM Magnet Academy, who was named a finalist for Louisiana’s New Teacher of the Year.

Let us offer a prayer of gratitude for educators like J. Joy Stalnaker and Morgan Toups, who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. May God bless our teachers with wisdom, patience, and a deep love for their students. May our students be filled with curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and a spirit of kindness. And may our schools be nurturing environments where learning flourishes and character is built. Amen.