LAPLACE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District has named Kimberly Poullard the District Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Poullard has been teaching fifth grade in St. John the Baptist Parish since 2006. Prior to relocating to LaPlace, she taught for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Iwakuni, Japan for three years.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern University at New Orleans and her master’s degree from National University of La Jolla, Calif. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Educators as well as the National Education Association.

“Ms. Poullard is a team player and teaches our scholars like they are her own. She is passionate in her belief that all of her students can learn. She wants them to be prepared for middle school,” John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School Principal Monica Brown said.

“Her students’ growth progress data improved from last year and added to our school state recognition as a school of growth. She gives her time before school, during lunch and after school to help our scholars and her colleagues. Often, Ms. Poullard is at school on weekends with me preparing for the upcoming week. In addition, she serves on school committees each year.

“It is an honor to work with her. She is an asset to our school and scholars.”