Jennings native Rachel Manuel has extensive experience in education as she recently began her 19th year in teaching.

She has taught history and English Language Arts (ELA) at many schools throughout Southwest Louisiana. Her career began at Cameron Elementary School. She remained at the school after it was combined with South Cameron after Hurricane Rita.

After teaching for some time in Texas, she came back to Southwest Louisiana to teach at Estherwood Elementary and Jennings Elementary.

She didn’t stop there. “Once my husband and I married, I moved to SJ Welsh Middle school, where I taught for several years,” she said. “Following the COVID-19 pandemic, our district started a new program called Connected Classrooms, or CCR.” CCR is Calcasieu Parish School Board’s virtual learning program. For the last three -years, Manuel has worked in a position as a 7th grade American History teacher.

Teaching runs in Manuel’s family. While watching her loved ones interact with students, she found her own inspiration to become an educator. “My mother was a teacher for 34 years, and my older brother was a coach and administrator for 20 years,” she said. “I enjoy interacting with children and believe my family played a part in inspiring me to become an educator.”

Manuel received both her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from McNeese State University.

Manuel’s role as an educator and her relationship with her students brings her joy. “I enjoy watching them grow during the year or so that I have them, and I love seeing them grow into adults,” she said. “My biggest joy is when I see my past students.”

“We get to talk and catch up and are excited and eager to see each other.  It makes my heart melt, knowing that I can impact young people’s lives like I do.”

Her educator’s philosophy is made up of two ideals. First, Manuel believes it is important for teachers to also be students. “My philosophy as an educator is to be a lifelong learner,” she explained.

Her students help her achieve this through helping her improve her communication skills. “I have taught students who have moved to the United States from foreign countries.  Most of the students could not speak English,” she said. “It was difficult at first, but we learned to understand and communicate with each other.”

“It taught me valuable lessons about dialogue, culture and communication.”

In addition to constantly learning, she believes it is important that educators be empathetic and “show compassion for all and provide a safe learning environment for every student.”

Social connectivity is the most impactful side effect of a good education, according to Manuel. The relationships that students make with teachers and administrators serve as a moral compass. “Education provides students with a network of caring adults that can guide kids in the right direction,” she explained. “It often helps our youth find the best in themselves and in their community. Schools are truly the center of our communities.”

Manuel wants current and future teachers to remember to “have compassion for all, be flexible, enjoy what you do, and most importantly teach with a smile.”

Outside of work, Manuel enjoys cooking and being outdoors in any capacity, “whether on the water or by a pool.”

Otherwise, she spends most of her time with her family and friends. “My children bring my husband and I so much joy,” she said. “My 7th grade son keeps us busy with the sports that he plays.” Manuel and her husband also care for their “4-year-old passionate red-head.”

“Our ginger loves to play outdoors and is all boy.”