The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is making big moves when it comes to preparing the next generation of educators. Through its rapidly expanding Educators Rising program, LPSS is giving students unique opportunities to explore the teaching profession, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experience that will shape their future careers.
This program, which started just a few years ago, has grown quickly—and it’s not just for students interested in education. It’s about creating strong leaders and problem solvers who will make an impact in their communities, whether they pursue teaching or any other career path.
Cy Dugas, the coordinator of LPSS’s Pre-Educator Pathway program, shared how the initiative has taken off. "We started in 2022 with just two schools offering Pre-Educator Pathway courses, and now we’re up to six schools with nearly 80 students," Dugas said. This includes high schools like Acadiana High School, Lafayette High School, Ovey Comeaux High School, Southside High School, David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, and the W.D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center. Students in these schools are gaining invaluable insights into the field of education.
But this program isn’t just about learning in the classroom. It’s about real-world experiences and leadership opportunities that help students see the bigger picture. Educators Rising clubs, which are now active in high schools such as Acadiana, Lafayette, Ovey Comeaux, David Thibodaux, and Southside, are giving students the chance to take on leadership roles, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence as they explore what it takes to succeed in any professional environment. In total, approximately 125 high school students are involved in these clubs.
LPSS is also fostering interest in education at the middle school level, with four active clubs now established at Milton Elementary Middle School, Lafayette Middle School, Broussard Middle School, and Edgar Martin Middle School, boasting around 140 middle school members.
A Partnership Powerhouse
One of the biggest reasons for the success of the Educators Rising program is its partnership with UL Lafayette. Through this collaboration, students in the program have access to college-level resources, stipends, and college credit opportunities. This means that by the time they graduate high school, they’re already ahead of the game—whether they choose to pursue a career in teaching or take the skills they’ve learned into other industries.
"Our partnership with UL Lafayette is at the heart of what we’re doing," Dugas explained. "It’s opened doors for our students and given them access to opportunities that can shape their future—whether they become teachers or go in another direction."
Dr. Aimee Barber (UL) and Dr. Rabalais(LPSS) spearheaded the writing of the Reimagine grant that initiated this partnership, emphasizing the commitment to enriching educational experiences in the district. This grant has led to multiple initiatives, including stipends for residents and prior learning credits for courses at UL Lafayette.
Investing in the Future
Although the Educators Rising program is still in its early stages, it’s already seeing success. The Fall 2024 freshman class at UL Lafayette is the largest in a decade, with around 50 LPSS graduates majoring in education at universities across the state. These numbers reflect a growing interest in the program and demonstrate how LPSS is investing in the future of education—and the future of its students.
For those not directly involved in education, programs like Educators Rising may not seem like something to pay attention to. But the reality is, programs like these are shaping the leaders of tomorrow—leaders who will be making decisions in business, healthcare, engineering, and beyond. LPSS is giving students a foundation that will serve them well, no matter where they end up.
Why It Matters
By providing opportunities for students to explore teaching, develop leadership skills, and gain real-world experience, LPSS’s Educators Rising program is helping to create a generation of well-rounded, community-minded individuals. These are the young people who will grow into the leaders that our communities—and industries—need.
Discover more about the Educators Rising program and find out how you can get involved! Contact Cy Dugas (cmdugas@lpssonline.com) or your school counselor/Ed Rising sponsor for more information and to explore exciting opportunities!
