Over the past two decades, New Orleans has rebuilt not only our schools but also the opportunities within them. As we look toward the next 20 years, the future of our schools will be shaped by our ability to support educators and meet students’ evolving needs. This week, we’re revisiting stories of how strong facilities and community investment have made a difference, and highlighting resources that remind us of what’s possible when we commit to sustaining progress for generations to come.

 “I am a New Orleans native. I am [a] product of the Orleans Parish school system. The impacts that I had from my teachers [are] the same impacts I wish to have on the students who come through my classroom.”

In the post, we share reflections from Teacher Fest attendees like Andrea Spreter, a teacher at Warren Easton Senior High School. Ms. Spreter said: 

“I really love connecting with kids. For me it’s really about the relationship…seeing the kids come back and work in education or in any other field in New Orleans is the most rewarding thing.”

The next year, we met some of Ms. Spreter’s students who were considering doing exactly what she’d talked about—coming back to work in education. In “They Make My Day,” we talked with Destinee Jolly and Jasmine Mulder, two Warren Easton students in the school’s pre-education pathway. Jolly shared what she got out of the program: 

“It teaches us patience, understanding, and to put a good mindset behind everything. It pushes you to know you’re about to go to the real world and get into your real career, and it gives you a look into our future and adulthood…it’s like our own job that real adults have–but we’re seniors in high school and we’re doing it.”

“To truly thrive, students need holistic supports, access to athletics and the arts, and a caring culture; research tells us that students are more engaged in school when they feel a sense of belonging. Students need access to counseling resources, violence disruption opportunities, and conflict mediation–the Center for Restorative Approaches, for instance, is collaborating with Educators for Quality Alternatives, which run the NET Schools, on such a program this year, which will be accessible to students in grades 6-12 citywide. To provide these experiences and environments, schools need resources.  

These include the type of resources our system provides through the Differentiated Funding Formula, which equitably channels funding to schools whose students have higher needs, or the Systemwide Needs Program, which funds initiatives that serve students across our schools. It includes making the most of Medicaid funds for school-based services, or preparing students for their career ambitions at the New Orleans Career Center. At NSNO, we are honored to be a part of these efforts and energized about the year to come.”

“I’m impressed with the way in which they are seeking out their path…the deep seriousness with which they view their future and the opportunity to get somewhere now.”