TEACHER OF THE MONTH — Barbara Broussard uses high expectations with Port Acres Elementary students
Published 12:30 am Wednesday, November 29, 2023
- Daren Granger with Philpott Ford, left, teacher Barbara Broussard, Port Acres Elementary Assistant Principal Fred D. Owens IV and Port Arthur News Senior Advertising Coordinator Candace Hemelt pause for a photo after Broussard was named Teacher of the Month. (Mary Meaux/The News)
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Barbara Broussard has high expectations for her students at Port Acres Elementary School.
A veteran teacher of 24 years, Broussard likes to be part of the solution.
The English Language Arts teacher had a pleasant surprise Tuesday when she learned she was chosen as Teacher of the Month, sponsored by Philpott Motors. The designation comes with a $500 gift card and a chance to be in the drawing for Teacher of the Year that comes with a $1,000 gift card.
Assistant Principal Fred D. Owens IV called her a great teacher with very high expectations.
“It’s one thing to say high expectations, but it’s another to personally pursue excellence,” Owens said. “You personally pursued excellence. You show extreme care, commitment and competence to your craft.”
Broussard said she is a teacher because she wants to be part of the solution.
Port Acres Elementary teacher Barbara Broussard, left, and Assistant Principal Fred D. Owens IV listen as Broussard learns she is named Teacher of the Month. (Mary Meaux/The News)
“We have a lot of kids that come and we’re all they have,” Broussard said. “The learning process has always been my drive, and I’m an ongoing learner myself. I like challenging the kids. I like having fun with them and so, school is fun for me.”
Principal Amy Newcomb-Jordan said Broussard comes to school every day and gives it her all to ensure students become independent learners.
“Barbara genuinely has a sincere spirit and takes on all tasks with positive energy and a smile,” Newcomb-Jordan said. “Her upbeat personality and engaging personal style enable her to interact effectively with students and staff.”
But Broussard’s dedication to her students doesn’t stop there. Newcomb-Jordan said Broussard is also the sponsor for the Tiny Titan Twirling Team and spends time tutoring students during the Extended Day Program.
“Barbara takes the initiative to go beyond the expected parameters of her job and helps support her students and colleagues both on campus and district-wide,” the principal said.
Broussard was a majorette when she attended Lincoln High School and was able to pick up where she left off.
“I still got it. It’s like riding a bicycle. I just picked it up and started doing it again,” Broussard said.
In twirling she teaches coordination, discipline and rhythm. Many of the girls believe it’s all about dance but it’s more about technique, she said.
Some, she said, are not used to putting in the hard work and they are tired because they practice after school three days a week.
“They’ve come a long way,” she said.
