Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge

AmeriCorps members serve in more than 400 locations across Louisiana and Teach For America is a proud AmeriCorps and Volunteer Louisiana partner. Yesterday, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser shared a proclamation Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy honoring the commitment of AmeriCorps members statewide to highlight service in Louisiana during National AmeriCorps Week. Former, current, and future Teach For America corps members shared about the impact they have with students each day as part of their AmeriCorps service. Thank you to Myranda, a second-year TFA corps member, and Karielle, a current City Year Baton Rouge corps member and soon-to-be 2025 Teach For America corps member, for sharing your stories! We appreciate Kenilworth's long-time partnership with Teach For America and their remarks about the difference that City Year and Teach For America members make in classrooms across their campus. Team members from Congressman Cleo Fields's, Senator Bill Cassidy's and Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Ph.D.'s offices joined us in the celebration of service in Louisiana. We thank them for attending and for our shared commitment to serve Louisiana students and communities.

In the 2024 NAEP results, Louisiana stands out for both historic reading gains and for being the only state where 4th graders exceeded their pre-pandemic scores in reading. High-dosage tutoring plays a critical role in reading growth: research shows that high-dosage tutoring can increase student learning by an additional three to 15 months in just 12 weeks! Ignite Fellowship is TFA’s high-dosage tutoring program that works to foster student?engagement?while?accelerating learning. In Greater Baton Rouge, more than 210 Ignite?Fellows (tutors)?work with local K-3 students with a focus on reading growth. In Baton Rouge this fall, 100% of participating schools reported that Ignite Fellows had a positive impact on student’s academic growth and engagement in school overall. See why Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy and Capitol Elementary students and staff?choose to partner with Ignite-?https://lnkd.in/ex2aMSYT

As we begin welcoming in our new corps, there are a couple of volunteer opportunities available! We are looking for mentors and Praxis PLC facilitators. You can check here for more information & to complete the interest survey: bit.ly/ICM25support

Congratulations to 2020 alum Morgan Johnson on her new role as Deputy District Attorney with the Denver District Attorney's Office! https://lnkd.in/e_P-kv2D

TFA Greater Baton Rouge Executive Director @Laura Vinsant spoke to @Jim Engster on WRKF to discuss Louisiana’s historic literacy gains reflected in the latest NAEP scores, and shared what lessons can be scaled from Louisiana's progress. Laura also took questions from live callers about TFA Greater Baton Rouge and all things Louisiana public education. Take a listen to the interview here! https://lnkd.in/ed7Tc_C3

We're so proud of Kylie Altier (Greater Baton Rouge '13) for being named the 2024 Louisiana Teacher of the Year! A first-grade teacher at McKinley Elementary, Kylie says her goal has always been to help and love as many children as possible. She is a certified reading specialist who helps her students explore passion projects, learn from local experts, and spark their curiosity and engagement. Learn more about Kylie's wonderful work in our 2024 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/ehzZDwqB

For todays Black History Month Highlight, we're pleased to introduce you to Kristen C. Smith, the Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of Tre’s Street Kitchen? (www.tresstreetkitchen.com), a local and national award-winning, family-run business redefining higher education campus dining, corporate catering, and stadium services. Since its launch in 2020, Tre’s Street Kitchen? has become the first of its kind to secure contracts with all three major higher education institutions in Baton Rouge—LSU, Southern University, and Baton Rouge Community College. Under Kristen’s leadership, the company has achieved a remarkable 99% growth rate in 2024 and established partnerships with industry leaders like Chartwells and Aramark, solidifying its reputation as a trusted innovator in food service.????????????????????? Kristen began her professional journey as a Teach for America corps member in South Louisiana from 2014 to 2016. She later advanced to leadership roles, including co-founding an organizing organization and working in policy and advocacy. As a policy intern with the Louisiana Department of Education, she played a pivotal role in advancing legislation that established a student fee task force to promote transparent fee assessment practices for public and some nonpublic schools. Kristen’s ability to understand end-user needs and drive impactful solutions has been a cornerstone of her career. A trailblazer in both education and entrepreneurship, Kristen has received numerous accolades, including graduating from Morgan Stanley’s Small Business Academy in 2024 and winning the Urban League Of Louisiana Women in Business Annual Pitch competition. Her thought leadership extends to policy, highlighted by her co-authored article, The Sistahs Will Be All Right: Advancing a Policy Agenda for the Modern Black Woman, published in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Journal for the Center of Policy Analysis and Research.

For todays Black History Month Highlight, we're pleased to introduce you to RaKeema Toussaint, Ph.D., CDP? who is a dedicated leader in education and talent development with over a decade of experience in instructional leadership, program management, and professional development. She currently serves as a Senior People & Community Development Specialist at Curriculum Associates, where she she designs and facilitates professional learning experiences and leads initiatives focused on fostering employee engagement and professional growth. Her journey with Curriculum Associates began in 2020 as a Professional Development Specialist, later progressing to Program Manager, where she refined guidance for i-Ready product implementation, ensuring educators were equipped with best practices to drive student success. Dr. Toussaint built a strong foundation in leadership at Kenilworth Science and Technology School, where she served for nearly eight years as an Assistant Principal, Dean of Academics, and Dean of Students. In these roles, she mentored teachers, led curriculum decisions, coordinated state testing, and taught middle school mathematics, including Honors classes. Her early instructional leadership experience includes working as an Instructional Specialist & Coordinator at Teach For America’s Delta Institute, where she trained incoming corps members and instructional specialists on classroom management and best practices. Before transitioning to Curriculum Associates, Dr. Toussaint served as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Louisiana State University, collaborating with the Office of Research and Economic Development on research analysis, data coding, and supporting minority doctoral students through Project PHinisheD. A lifelong learner and educator, Dr. Toussaint holds advanced degrees and continues to be deeply invested in educator success, leadership development, and ensuring excellent educational opportunities for all students.

For today's Black History Month Highlight, we're pleased to introduce you to Brandon M Smith, the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Community Relations at Louisiana State University, where he leads initiatives to strengthen community partnerships, advance institutional strategy, and enhance engagement across the state. With over 17 years at LSU, Brandon has held roles in community affairs, external partnerships, and education outreach, fostering collaborative efforts that promote access in higher education. Brandon is proud to serve as Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge's Board Chair. A 2005 Teach For America alum, Brandon began his career as an upper elementary school teacher at Brookstown Elementary, before transitioning into higher education. He earned a BA in Political Science and MPA from LSU, as well as a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies from LSU Shreveport. He has spent his career working at the intersection of education and community development. Known for his ability to build lasting partnerships, he has been instrumental in aligning LSU’s strategic goals with the needs of the broader Baton Rouge community.

For todays Black History Month Highlight, we're pleased to introduce you to Gelisa Patin who is a passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment. As a 2018 Teach For America alumna, Gelisa began her career as a middle school teacher in East Feliciana, where she worked to inspire and support students in reaching their fullest potential. Currently serving as a science mentor teacher at Plaquemine High School in Iberville Parish, Gelisa is committed to supporting both students and fellow educators. In addition to her classroom role, she leads the school's BETA club and coaches their cheer team, further demonstrating her dedication to fostering student leadership and engagement. Gelisa’s experience in the classroom deepened her commitment to addressing barriers in education and supporting student success beyond the classroom. Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative leadership style, she is passionate about making a meaningful impact in her community. She was honored as a finalist for the Haymon Award last year, Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge's annual teaching award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to education. Outside of her professional work, enjoys mentoring young leaders and finding ways to uplift and connect with others. She remains actively engaged with the TFA alumni network, contributing to efforts that build stronger, more connected communities.