The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Orleans Teacher Community
The research is clear: Teachers are the most important in-school factor in determining student success. However, teacher turnover is high in cities nationwide, and in New Orleans, nearly 25% of New Orleans educators leave the profession annually. Each year, NSNO surveys over 1,500 teachers. We know our teachers love their schools and students. They’ve also told us that they sometimes feel isolated, devalued, and unsupported.
Making New Orleans the Best Place in the Country to be a Teacher
Two years after hosting the 2020 National Championship in New Orleans, the College Football Playoff Foundation and Allstate Sugar Bowl initiated a partnership with NSNO, out of which came The New Orleans Teacher Community. It’s the first-ever inclusive citywide community for public school teachers.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Orleans Teacher Community aims to support and inspire our city’s public school educators. We’re there for our teachers as they develop, grow, and strive for excellence in their classrooms. We’re also there to celebrate their successes. We aim to show our teachers how much we appreciate them, and to create a strong community where they can access resources, support, and connections that will help them make teaching a sustainable, life-long career in New Orleans.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Orleans Teacher Community encompasses many programs that support current teachers and help welcome and prepare new ones.
Celebratory Events
- The New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Awards (NOETA) Gala, where the top 3% of teachers each year are celebrated and awarded a $1,000 Classroom Excellence Grant
- NOLA Teacher Fest, a celebration of local food and music just for teachers, with 100% of schools, and more than 1,750 educators attending in 2023
- Attendance at the Sugar Bowl game and participation in the parade
Practical Support for Educators
- A recent successful initiative provided information to teachers on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), leading to $2 million in canceled student loans for teachers.
Recruitment Programming and Tools
- Support for NSNO’s “Grow Your Own” strategy, through which we work with local schools and preparation partners to help New Orleans’ own young people and school staff prepare for a career in teaching
- The New Orleans Teacher Job Board: the fastest, easiest way for educators to apply for roles across all NOLA Public Schools
Over the past 2 years, we have provided over $400,000 directly to teachers to enhance the learning experience and environment for their students.
Nearly ⅔ of the NOLA’s educators have attended the NOLA Teacher Fest.
On average, 95% of teachers surveyed said they had fun at the 2nd Annual NOLA Teacher Fest.
NOETA Gala: “From the $1,000 grant to the amazing party, I feel like a CEO! My students are proud of me and I feel so special. Thank you for making this happen!”
– Dylan Vincent NOETA Honoree, Sophie B. Wright Charter School
Thank you to our Teacher Community Sponsors!
