NEW ORLEANS – (May 6, 2020) – On Tuesday, May 5, NOLA Public School (NOLA-PS) Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr., Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mary Garton along with Board President Ethan Ashley and Board Member Leslie Ellison, helped to honor a total of fifteen 2020 New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award (NOETA) semifinalists in an unique way. Dr. Lewis, Garton, Ashley, and Ellison surprised the semifinalists with social distancing visits to their homes that included the dropping off of a special lawn sign to recognize these individuals for their outstanding work as Orleans Parish educators.  

“As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, I had the honor and privilege of surprising the deserving NOETA Award semifinalists at their homes,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “It was wonderful getting to celebrate their achievement. This is truly an incredible group of teachers who value their profession and have dedicated their lives to educating our students even during this challenging time.” 

The following teachers were named semifinalists for the 2020 NOETA Award: 
• Robert Bassler - Ambramson Sci Academy
• Jennifer Boyce - Opportunities Academy
• Talisha Bryan - Eleanor McMain Secondary School
• Terri Clabeaux - Bricolage Academy
• Jennifer Comeaux - Benjamin Franklin Elementary
• Henry Dreyfus - Benjamin Franklin High School
• Arielle Jack - Arise Academy
• Joseph Krafczynski - Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences
• Taaqua Lacy-Williams - Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary
• Catherin Morales - Esperanza Charter School
• Alexandra Mossing - Hynes Charter School
• Eric Schroeder - Morris Jeff Community School
• Tara Thomas-Antoine - Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences
• Blake Thompson - Livingston Collegiate Academy
• Marla Williams - Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences

“Our district has the hardest working educators in the world who are dedicated to serving the  whole child,  day-in and day-out,” said Orleans Parish School  Board President Ethan Ashley. “Our teachers continue to step up to meet the needs of our students during this trying time.  We are so grateful for this and all that they do.”  
The 2020 NOETA winners will be announced in the fall.
 
“This group of educators have been nominated by their peers for their outstanding work throughout the district,” said Orleans Parish School Board Member Leslie Ellison. “Congratulations on a job well done and thank you for providing our students with an excellent education.” 
 
The NOETA Award was created in 2015 by New Schools for New Orleans. In the fall of 2018, NOLA-PS took over the planning and execution of the program to help honor more outstanding teachers throughout New Orleans public schools. School leaders, teachers, coaches and other academic or cultural leaders at any New Orleans area public school or network were eligible to nominate exceptional teaches for this citywide award.