2025-2026 Teachers of the Year and Principals of the Year Announced

Three teachers and three principals have been selected as the 2025-2026 St. Tammany Parish Public School System Teachers and Principals of the Year.

Named as 2025-2026 District Teachers of the Year are Kira Neal from Pontchartrain Elementary, Michelle Day from Bayou Lacombe Middle, and Rachel Senez from Covington High.

The 2025-2026 District Principals of the Year are Katie Singleton from Mayfield Elementary, Laura Haggard from Lancaster Elementary, and Christian Monson from Mandeville High.

"This incredible group of educators goes above and beyond to help students achieve their dreams," said Superintendent Frank Jabbia. "I am immensely proud of our District Teachers and Principals of the Year and they are true champions for public education!”

Christian Monson has also been selected as semi-finalist in the 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year program held by the Louisiana Department of Education, which honors educators who are making exceptional gains with students and demonstrating their commitment to student success. He is among 24 principals selected to continue in the competition for Louisiana Principal of the Year.

Teachers and Principals of the Year are selected based on their success with students and, for principals, their work to support teachers. Each year, one teacher and one principal at each level – elementary, middle/junior high, and high school – are selected as the district level winners and move on to compete in the state competition.

Kira Neal, the Elementary Division Teacher of the Year, is a third-grade math, science, and social studies teacher at Pontchartrain Elementary. A proud graduate of Mandeville High School (Class of 2002), she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2007 and a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2013. She began her teaching career in January 2014 and has been inspiring young minds ever since. At the heart of her classroom is a strong commitment to character, community, and learning.

Michelle Day, the Middle/Junior High Division Teacher of the Year, is a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Bayou Lacombe Middle. With 20 years of experience, she remains deeply passionate about education, believing it to be her true calling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002 and later expanded her expertise with a Master of Education in Reading and Literacy. Her commitment to excellence in education has earned her the prestigious Teacher of the Year recognition twice in her career.

Rachel Senez, the High School Division Teacher of the Year, creates an engaging, supportive environment that instills confidence, sparks curiosity, and unlocks potential. She extends learning beyond the classroom by actively involving families, local organizations, and peers, ensuring a rich, interconnected educational experience. Whether through mentorship, collaborative projects, or open discussions, she emphasizes personalized instruction that highlights each student’s and educator’s unique strengths. She strives not only to teach academic content but to cultivate resilience, critical thinking, and a lasting love for learning.

Katie Singleton, the Elementary Division Principal of the Year, has dedicated the past 14 years to STPPS, serving as a teacher and assistant principal before being named principal of Henry L. Mayfield Elementary School. A native of Mobile, Alabama, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Alabama State University and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans. Throughout her career, she has worked collaboratively to enhance student achievement and well-being. She firmly believes that all students can succeed when given a positive learning environment, strong leadership, a dedicated educational team, an engaged community, and a supportive family.

Laura Haggard, the Middle/Junior High Division Principal of the Year, has 21 years of experience in STPPS. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s in Educational Technology Leadership from Northwestern State University. Under her leadership, Lancaster Elementary has earned an “A” rating and has been recognized as a Top Gains Honoree for the past two years. Passionate about addressing the whole child, she provides tailored support to both students and staff, ensuring they have the tools to reach their full potential. Her innovative approaches have driven academic success while fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Christian Monson, the High School Division Principal of the Year, has 24 years of experience in education, all within STPPS. A firm believer in the power of relationships, he has built strong connections with students, staff, and families, earning their trust and respect. Through innovative initiatives and a relentless focus on student achievement, he has enhanced academic outcomes while fostering a sense of belonging and community within his school. Beyond the school walls, he is deeply committed to community engagement, serving on several nonprofit boards and actively working to give back to the very community that supports local students.

The Louisiana Department of Education plans to release the Teacher and Principal of the Year Semi-Finalists on March 18, 2025. There will be 24 semi-finalists in each category. The state Finalists and winners will be announced later this spring.