We are thrilled to announce that Laila Bellard, a standout student at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy (DTSMA), has been named a National Educators Rising Ambassador! This prestigious title is a testament to Laila’s exceptional leadership, her unwavering commitment to education, and her passion for helping others thrive. After excelling in both state and national Educators Rising conferences, Laila is now taking her love for teaching to the national stage.
Laila’s journey to becoming an Ambassador reflects her strong ambition to gain leadership experience and prepare for her ultimate goal—becoming a National Educators Rising Officer. She viewed the Ambassador role as the perfect opportunity to develop her skills and deepen her involvement in the organization. “My goal is to be a national officer, so I thought applying for Ambassador would be a good chance for me to learn more about Educators Rising and get leadership experience before running for an office,” Laila shared.
Her personal journey through education, particularly in overcoming challenges in math is what ignited her passion for teaching. “It was in math that I realized once I figured out how to get it, I wanted to help others,” Laila explained. “Helping others grow is very important to me.” This commitment to helping others understand and overcome obstacles drives her desire to make a lasting impact in the classroom.
As a National Ambassador, Laila will not only represent DTSMA but will also be a voice for future educators across the country. She is eager to promote upcoming events and share opportunities with other Educators Rising members. Laila is especially passionate about encouraging students to pursue their teaching aspirations despite any negative perceptions they might encounter. “There’s a lot of negative talk about teachers, but always strive for your goals without letting others tell you otherwise,” she advised.
Laila’s mentor and Educators Rising sponsor, Bobbi Porter, expressed her pride in Laila’s initiative. “I have to give her all the credit. She came to me during Nationals saying she wanted to be an ambassador, and I told her to look it up and see what she had to do. She took the initiative and completed the application process with very little help from me. I’m super proud of her!”
Laila’s role as a National Educators Rising Ambassador is just the beginning of an inspiring journey. We are excited to watch her continue to uplift and motivate others, while representing both DTSMA and the Lafayette Parish School System on a national level. She is already making a significant impact, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising star!
About Educators Rising:
Educators Rising is a national organization that shapes the next generation of educators by guiding students on their path to becoming accomplished teachers. With hands-on teaching experiences, professional development, and leadership opportunities at the local, state, and national levels, Educators Rising empowers young people to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to the field of education. Through mentorship and real-world learning, the organization builds a community of future teachers ready to make a lasting difference in classrooms across the country.
Learn more about Lafayette's Ed Rising Program and how you can get involved