• The Teacher of the Year Program honors outstanding educators across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership, and dedication to student success. 

  • Who: School Site Teachers of the Year and District-Level Finalists

  • When: Honored annually 

  • Why: To celebrate educators who inspire academic achievement, model professional excellence, and make a lasting impact in their schools and communities

Phase I

• School Site Teacher of the Year Nominations

  • October 3rd to October 27th

Phase II

• School Site Teachers of the Year Video Interviews

  • October 28th to November 4th

• Finalists Selected 

Phase III

• Teacher of the Year Finalists Classroom Observations

  • November 10th to November 14th 

• Teacher Certification Attainment Celebrations spotlight EBRPSS educators who have successfully achieved their Level 1 Louisiana Teaching Certification — a major professional milestone and commitment to excellence. 

  • Who: EBRPSS teachers who have earned their Level 1 certification

  • When: Celebrations held twice a year — January and July

  • Why: To honor the dedication, perseverance, and professional growth of our educators as they advance in their careers

• The Principal of the Year Program recognizes outstanding school leaders across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who demonstrate exceptional instructional leadership, foster positive school culture, and drive student success through innovation and collaboration. 

  • Who: School leaders nominated by their peers and supervisors for exemplary leadership and impact

  • When: Honored annually 

  • Why: To celebrate principals who lead with integrity, empower their teams, and cultivate learning environments where both students and staff thrive

• The EBRPSS Excellence in School Leadership Award- Assistant Principal and Dean of the Year recognition program celebrates exceptional school leaders across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within their school communities. These individuals exemplify excellence in fostering positive school culture, supporting teacher growth, and promoting academic and behavioral success for all students.

  • Who: Assistant Principals and Deans who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment to student and staff success

  • When: Honored annually

  • Why: To recognize transformational leaders who model integrity, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to the district’s mission of excellence for all

• The Administrative Office Employee of the Year Program recognizes outstanding administrative and office personnel across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who provide exceptional support, leadership, and service that ensures the smooth operation of our schools and district offices. 

  • Who: Administrative Office Personnel who demonstrate exemplary performance, professionalism, and dedication to supporting students, staff, and district initiatives

  • When: Honored annually 

  • Why: To celebrate employees whose leadership, vision, and behind-the-scenes contributions enhance efficiency, foster collaboration, and strengthen the district’s mission of excellence — including positions across Senior Cabinet, Chief Officers, Associate Superintendents, Executive Directors, Administrative Directors, Directors, Assistant Directors, Coordinators, Supervisors, Managers, and other specialized administrative roles — whose work ensures the smooth operation and success of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. 

• The School Counselor of the Year recognition celebrates exceptional counselors across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who demonstrate outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and college-career readiness outcomes.

• Who: School Counselors who exemplify excellence, innovation, and a positive impact on students, staff, and school communities

• When: Honored annually

• Why: To recognize counselors who foster student success, build supportive school environments, and contribute to the district’s mission of equity, achievement, and whole-child development

• The New Teacher of the Year recognition celebrates exceptional early-career educators across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who demonstrate outstanding instructional practice, professionalism, and a strong commitment to student success during their first years in the classroom. 

  • Who: Teachers in 0-1 year of teaching who exemplify excellence, innovation, and growth

  • When: Honored annually

  • Why: To recognize emerging educators who are building strong classroom communities, fostering student achievement, and contributing to the district’s mission of excellence for all

• The Mentor Teacher of the Year Program honors outstanding educators across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who demonstrate exceptional skill in mentoring and developing new teachers. These mentors embody the spirit of collaboration, modeling best practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. 

  • Who: Mentor Teachers who provide exemplary guidance, support, and leadership to beginning educators through the district’s Mentoring Matters Induction Program

  • When: Honored annually 

  • Why: To celebrate mentors who go above and beyond to nurture teacher success, build confidence, and strengthen instructional excellence across our schools

• The Classified Employee of the Year Program (CEYP) recognizes exemplary Classified School Personnel who best represent the dedication, professionalism, and excellence of all EBRPSS classified employees. These individuals embody the district’s core values and symbolize the vital role classified staff play in creating safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environments for all students.

  • Who: Classified employees who demonstrate outstanding performance, reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence in service to students and schools

  • When: Honored annually 

  • Why: To celebrate the dedication and impact of classified professionals whose behind-the-scenes contributions make our schools thrive every day

Nomination Categories:

• Child Nutrition: Employees whose work involves food handling and/or preparation (e.g., CNP Manager, Cook, Assistant Cook, etc.)

• Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities: Employees providing maintenance or operations services 

• Office/Clerical/Technical: Employees performing clerical, secretarial, or technical duties (e.g., Secretary, Clerk, Personnel Assistant, Specialist, etc.)

• Paraprofessional and Instructional Assistance: Employees providing direct instructional support to students 

• Transportation: Employees supporting student transportation (e.g., Bus Operator, Mechanic, Transportation Aide, etc.)

• The Years of Service Awards recognize the outstanding commitment and longevity of employees across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. These awards honor staff members who have dedicated significant portions of their careers to supporting students, schools, and the district community. 

  • Who: All EBRPSS employees reaching milestone years of service (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20+ years)

  • When: Presented annually each spring 

  • Why: To celebrate the loyalty, dedication, and impact of employees whose long-term contributions help sustain excellence in our schools

• The Substitute Teacher of the Year Program recognizes outstanding substitute teachers across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System who demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and a strong commitment to student learning and school success. These educators play a vital role in maintaining continuity of instruction and supporting classroom communities every day. 

  • Who: Substitute teachers who consistently exhibit excellence, reliability, and positive impact in the classroom

  • When: Honored annually each spring 

  • Why: To celebrate substitute teachers whose dedication, flexibility, and instructional contributions support students, teachers, and the overall success of the district

• The Employee of the Year Gala is an annual celebration recognizing the outstanding contributions of educators and staff across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. This prestigious event honors employees who exemplify excellence, leadership, and a commitment to student and district success. 

  • Who: All Employee of the Year honorees, including Teachers of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Mentor Teacher of the Year, Substitute Teacher of the Year, Administrative Office Employee of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and other distinguished staff

  • When: Held annually each May

  • Why: To celebrate exceptional employees whose dedication, innovation, and impact make the EBRPSS community stronger and inspire excellence throughout the district

• Veteran’s Day Recognition honors East Baton Rouge Parish School System employees who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This recognition celebrates their dedication, courage, and commitment to protecting our country, while also contributing to the success of our students and schools. 

  • Who: EBRPSS employees who are military veterans

  • When: Observed annually on November 11th 

  • Why: To honor the service and sacrifice of our veteran employees and highlight the values of leadership, discipline, and commitment they bring to our schools and district

• Our Retiree Celebration recognizes and honors East Baton Rouge Parish School System employees who are retiring after years of dedication, commitment, and service to students, schools, and the community. This special event celebrates their accomplishments, contributions, and the lasting impact they have made throughout their careers. 

  • Who: All retiring EBRPSS employees

  • When: Held annually each June

  • Why: To celebrate employees’ dedication, recognize their professional achievements, and express gratitude for their service and contributions to the district