ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KLFY)--Ali Angelle, a fourth-grade teacher at Teche Elementary, spoke about being named the 2026 Louisiana Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Angelle, who teaches English and Social Studies at Teche Elementary, was originally selected as Teacher of the Year at Teche Elementary, as well as at the district level, and then out of 24 semifinalists in the state, was awarded the prestigious title.

Angelle shared how she loves what she does but said being honored statewide is a blessing she never expected.

"Sometimes teaching kind of gets a bad rap, and teachers kind of struggle, and so it's just the confirmation of like, we see you, you're doing it," Angelle said.

Angelle has been teaching for seven years and expresses a deep love for her students and said she learns from them as much as they do from her.

"I feel like they're in a sweet spot, so like they're old enough that, like you can be a little bit sassy with them and make jokes, and they laugh about it, but they're still young enough that they really like you," said Angelle.

Angelle's advice for new teachers includes knowing their content, using technology, and most importantly, showing that they care.

"It starts with the relationship," said Angelle. "If they know, like oh my teacher she's nuts, but she loves me, or she wants me to do well, then they're definitely going to rise to that level."

Angelle not only is she celebrating this new honor, she also received her master's degree in May. She said she isn't ready to leave her fourth-grade students yet, but she is excited to see what the future holds.

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