Five years of NOLA Teacher Fest means five years of showing up for educators the New Orleans way, with music, culture, and community at the center. More than 2,400 educators representing every public school in New Orleans registered for the 5th Annual NOLA Teacher Fest at Champions Square. And while the rain came, nearly 600 educators still showed up, and the celebration didn’t miss a beat. Because when it comes to showing up for teachers, we show up, rain or shine.
As the weather escalated, we made real-time adjustments to keep the experience going, adding extra tents, expanding indoor space, and even creating a satellite stage to keep the music and energy alive. And despite the rain:
- We had amazing performances from Hot Boy Ronald, DJ Arie Spins, Milira Jones, and DJ Polo
- Over $20,000 in giveaways and raffles were distributed
- Thousands more engaged with the celebration online
Most importantly, teachers had the chance to connect, celebrate, and be celebrated together.
Celebrating Our Life-Changing Teachers
We were proud to recognize this year’s Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award recipients, presented by the College Football Playoff Foundation.
Selected from an outpouring of nominations, these educators were chosen for the lasting impact they’ve made on their students and school communities. This year’s honorees are:
- Kipp Chopin – McDonogh 35 Senior High School
- Joseph Morton – McDonogh 35 Senior High School
- Kierston James – Ben Franklin Elementary & Middle Mathematics and Science School
- Tangel Castellon – Ben Franklin Elementary & Middle Mathematics and Science School
- Brandi Malarchar – ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy
Each was celebrated on stage at NOLA Teacher Fest and received a $2,000 DonorsChoose classroom grant, along with $500 for themselves, in recognition of their extraordinary work.
Congratulations to Our School Spirit Winner
The energy was unmatched, but one school stood out above the rest: Young Audiences Charter Schools at Lawrence D. Crocker. Thank you for bringing the joy, the pride, and the full Teacher Fest spirit!
Honoring Our Educators This Week and Always
This celebration came at the perfect time—Teacher Appreciation Week—a moment to celebrate the educators who show up every day for the students of New Orleans. At NSNO, we know that teachers are one of the most important factors in student success, and moments like Teacher Fest are just one way we celebrate the professionals who make our schools—and our city—stronger.
Thank You to Our Partners
Teacher Fest is only possible because of the incredible partners who invest in New Orleans educators. A special thank you to the Allstate Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff Foundation for making this celebration possible, as well as alignED NOLA, Atmos Energy, Entergy New Orleans, Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, New Orleans & Company, Ochsner Children’s, and Raising Cane’s. We’re also grateful to our vendors, volunteers, and the entire community who helped bring this event to life.
