The DeSoto Parish School System is pleased to announce that Mrs. Amanda LaFollete, Principal of Mansfield Elementary School, has been named one of nine finalists at the 2024 Teacher Leader Summit for the 2025 Principal of the Year award by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Superintendent Clay Corley talks to the , "I am thrilled for Mrs. LaFollette and the legacy of excellence in leadership that our district consistently upholds. Her dedication to the students and staff of Mansfield Elementary has driven significant growth at the school, reflecting the hard work of both herself and her entire team.”
Student outcomes at Mansfield Elementary School have improved significantly this past school year. Mansfield Elementary serves as the pilot school for DeSoto Parish Schools' Student Wellness program and has been named a model of excellence for literacy by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Supervisor of Administration, Mr. Brandon Burback, says, “Mrs. Lafollette continues her upward trajectory as a high performing leader focused on what’s best for students. Mrs. Lafollette’s student first approach is inspiring and communicates excellence in all she and her team does to improve student and teacher outcomes. I am thankful for her leadership.”
Mrs. Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning, states, "I am proud of Mrs. LaFollette and all the Little Wolverine community. It is exciting to see their hard work and dedication spotlighted at the state level.”
As a native of DeSoto Parish, Mrs. LaFollete began her education career in the school system as a math teacher at Mansfield High School in 2002. She taught math for fourteen years at Mansfield High School, where she served as the cheerleader and the initial sponsor of the National Beta Club. After she served as a career teacher, Mrs. LaFollette became a Master Teacher in 2016, supporting math teachers both at Mansfield High School and Mansfield Middle School. LaFollette's stint as Mansfield Elementary School's Principal began in the 2020-2021 school year.
Principal LaFollette speaks to her journey as an educator and leader in Mansfield schools,” I’m so grateful for this honor and the opportunity to represent DeSoto Parish and Mansfield Elementary School as a state finalist. My passion has been all things Mansfield Wolverines for the past 22 years and I am beyond blessed to work with a team of educators that put our students first everyday!”
All semi finalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.
These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge those teachers and leaders who are making exceptional gains with students. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana's education profession.
For more information on the announcement of the Principal and Teacher of the Year semifinalists, visitvwww.louisainabelives.com.