Celebrating Innovative Louisiana Teachers Honored as 2026 Extraordinary Educators

Louisiana Teachers Recognized for Excellence in Education

In an admirable move, Curriculum Associates has recognized Alicia Alfonso and Cassidy Boggs as part of its 2026 class of Extraordinary Educators. This prestigious title is awarded to a select group of exceptional teachers from kindergarten to eighth grade across the United States who exhibit outstanding pedagogical practices and a strong commitment to fostering student growth.

Meet the Educators

Alicia Alfonso hails from Arabi Elementary, situated in the St. Bernard Parish Public Schools, while Cassidy Boggs serves at East Ouachita Middle School in Ouachita Parish. Selectees were chosen from a pool of more than 170 candidates, with only 26 making the cut this year, highlighting their exceptional teaching methods and effective utilization of educational tools.

Both educators have been recognized not just for their challenging and engaging classroom environments, but for their adept use of data-driven approaches to lesson planning that promote inclusivity and foster significant academic growth among their students.

Alfonso expressed her gratitude, stating, "Being named an Extraordinary Educator is a tremendous honor to me. It reflects the impact I am able to make on my students. In my classroom, we embrace our identities as mathematicians and problem solvers, even in times of challenge. This accolade strengthens my resolve to nurture student confidence and independence."

Similarly, Boggs conveyed her pride in the recognition: "Being named an Extraordinary Educator is one of the proudest moments in my career. While the title is an honor, it is the passion for cultivating student development and coming to class each day prepared to aid student growth that truly defines an extraordinary educator. I hope to embody this title and represent all teachers committed to fostering a growth mindset in their students."

A Year of Growth and Collaboration

The 2026 class of Extraordinary Educators will partake in a year-long national professional learning initiative that promotes networking, leadership development, and collaboration opportunities with fellow educators nationwide. As part of this journey, they will join Curriculum Associates' annual leadership summit, which aims to amplify their impact while sharing expertise with colleagues from different regions. This year's cohort showcases a diverse array of teaching roles, ranging from classroom instruction to student support and enrichment programs.

Kelly Sia, the CEO of Curriculum Associates, commended the honorees, stating, "Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us through their unwavering dedication to providing quality instruction and ensuring student success. We take pride in recognizing their contributions and standing alongside them as they continue to lead within their communities and classrooms."

The selection process for these educators involved a thorough review executed by Curriculum Associates’ staff alongside an advisory panel consisting of company leaders and alumni of the Extraordinary Educators program. This process ensures fairness, diversity, and an inclusive representation of various teaching practices and philosophies.

About Curriculum Associates

Established with a mission to enhance K-12 classroom experiences for students and educators alike, Curriculum Associates serves over 17 million students and one million teachers across the nation. The company’s integrated i-Ready® solutions encompass adaptive assessments along with personalized instruction, in both mathematics and language arts, supported by professional development and additional resources. The honors bestowed upon educators like Alfonso and Boggs underscore the importance of quality teaching methods and innovative educational solutions—essential ingredients for fostering successful learning environments.

In conclusion, the recognition of Alicia Alfonso and Cassidy Boggs serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role educators play in shaping the future of their students and communities. Their commitment to excellence not only inspires fellow teachers but also ignites a passion for learning among their students, setting a remarkable example for all.