Teaching runs in Kelly Juneau’s, family. She was inspired to begin her 15-year teaching career by her mom.

“I grew up seeing her giving one hundred percent to her students each day,” she explained. “She went the extra mile for each of them, and that is one of the many reasons I admire her.”

She witnessed the positive impact her mother made in the lives of her students, and decided early on she wanted to provide those same services. “I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to be that person for someone. So, I followed in her footsteps.”

She doesn’t regret a moment. “I can honestly say that I made the right decision.”

Juneau, 36, is an alumni of Avoyelles High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from LSU-Alexandria in 2008, and went on to earn her Master’s degree in educational leadership from McNeese in 2011.

She also has many certifications pertaining to her field, including a mentor teacher certification and a NISL (National Institue for School Leadership) certification.

She began her education career in 2008 at John. J. Johnson Elementary School, where she taught fourth grade for four years. She then taught fourth grade at Kaufman Elementary School before transferring to Henry Heights Elementary where she served as the Instructional Coach.

One year later, she was presented the opportunity to serve as the assistant principal at Henry Heights Elementary. She remained in that position for three and a half years before transferring to Prien Lake Elementary in 2017 to serve as the school’s Assistant Principal.

Juneau said she wakes up each morning energized, excited and ready for the day. “I love the students,parents and community that embodies CPSB, and I love my school family,” she said. “I am so fortunate to work with extraordinary people who give their all each day.”

“I consider myself blessed.”

Out of all of the aspects of education that she loves, she adores her students the most. For Juneau, it’s the small actions of affection that the students of Prien Lake Elementary offer her that bring her joy, such as random hugs in the hallway, office celebrations for succeeding students and high-fives for tangible improvement. “The list goes on and on… They remind me to enjoy and relish in the little things; laugh more, hug more and don’t forget to be silly. They’re so pure and innocent, and they teach me more than they will ever know.”

“I am realizing all the most influential moments that come to mind are all related to student smiles and happiness,” she said “Helping to create an environment where students are safe, happy and loved is what is most important.”

Juneau believes that every student has the potential to improve skills and absorb information, and should be treated as such. “All students are capable of learning and deserve to obtain an education that allows them to prosper and become life-long learners.”

Juneau said that all teachers should acknowledge that the role as an educator can be a difficult one. “We have tough days. We have trying circumstances,” she said. “However, it is important to reflect and remember why you chose the profession.”

For many, she said, educators chose their profession from passion, and passion remains a motivating force. “Give it your all and remember you are needed. You are making a difference and remember to take time for yourself and ask for help when needed. You got this!”