STPPS Teacher Named 2026-2027 New Teacher of the Year Finalist

The Louisiana Department of Education has selected Fontainebleau High Teacher Katie Weber as a 2026-2027 State New Teacher of the Year Finalist, which honors first-year classroom teachers who are already making exceptional contributions and demonstrating a strong commitment to student success.

“I can’t say enough about the difference Katie is already making with our students in just her first year teaching,” said Superintendent Frank Jabbia. “This recognition is a tremendous honor and an inspiration for our entire school system.”

Weber teaches ninth-grade English at Fontainebleau High School and is a proud product of STPPS, having graduated from Lakeshore High School. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in English Literature from The University of Southern Mississippi. As an undergraduate, Weber was recognized as the student with the highest GPA and the most credit hours in her graduating class. She is passionate about inspiring a love of reading and writing in her students and strongly believes that a strong foundation in English empowers students for success.

Weber is among nine first-year classroom teachers selected to continue in the competition for Louisiana New Teacher of the Year. The Louisiana New Teacher of the Year will be announced at the Educator Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans this summer.