From Pupil to Professional: Educators Rising Regional Conference at LSU Inspires Next Generation of Teachers

BATON ROUGE, LA — Educators Rising LSU held the first ever Educators Rising Regional Conference at LSU on January 28, 2026. Created and organized by Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education's Allie Boquet, PhD, the conference brought more than 100 high school students enrolled in a pre-educator pathway to Louisiana's flagship university to explore the next steps of entering the teaching profession.

The day started with a welcome from LSU College of Human Sciences & Education Dean Roland Mitchell, PhD, followed by a keynote address given by Caitlyn Robinson, LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education alumna, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator for the Louisiana Department of Education and co-founder of SpedTacular Kids and Central Inclusive League. Then, students attended breakout sessions led by LSU students, faculty and alumni; session topics included "Why Choose LSU?," "Managing Yourself Before Managing a Classroom," "The Value of an LSU Teaching Degree," and "Pathways to the Profession: LSU Teacher Prep Programs." Students then had the opportunity to network with education faculty and students before ending the day in Tiger Stadium. 

Conference Statistics

 

School and Parish Attendance

East Baton Rouge Parish

• Woodlawn High School
• Zachary High School

East Feliciana Parish

• Slaughter Community Charter School

West Baton Rouge Parish

• Brusly High School
• Port Allen High School

Ascension Parish

• Dutchtown High School
• St. Amant High School
• East Ascension High School

Iberville Parish

• Math, Science & Arts Academy - East

Livingston Parish

• Denham Springs High School

Pointe Coupee

• Livonia High School
• STEM Magnet Academy

Snaps from the Day

 

Attendee Testimonials

 

Special Thanks To

Conference Organizer

Learn More

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About the LSU Tiger Teacher Corps
Tiger Teacher Corps (TTC) is a high-impact initiative representing the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education’s bold commitment to advancing the teaching profession. Rooted in our flagship mission to serve and impact Louisiana, TTC recruits students to the profession, prepares them to be highly effective educators, and provides continuous support, networking, and continuing education throughout their careers. At college, TTC serves students via a cohort model through mentorship, early learning observations, financial assistance, shared residential living, PRAXIS support, personal advising, specialized first-year experience course, and employment opportunities. Retention work does not end when our students graduate; we want to retain teachers in the profession! After college, TTC provides induction support, continuing and professional education, and alumni networking with the goal of our Tiger Teachers helping recruit the next generation of educators.

Learn more about the LSU Tiger Teacher Corps.

 

About Educators Rising at LSU
Educators Rising at LSU is the collegiate chapter of the national Educators Rising movement, dedicated to inspiring and preparing future educators by providing LSU undergraduates with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow as leaders in the field of education. The chapter fosters development through intentional programming, workshops, and networking with experienced professionals, including university faculty and local educators, while promoting awareness of current educational issues and advocacy for equity. Committed to building a supportive community for aspiring teachers, Educators Rising at LSU equips members with the skills and connections needed to lead and succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

Learn more about Educators Rising at LSU.

 

About the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education
A school of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, the Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education (SOE) offers undergraduate programs for students who want to pursue a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher or acquire dual certification in both traditional elementary and special education classrooms. In addition, SOE offers 3 graduate certificates, 17 master’s degree program areas, 9 EdS certificate programs, and 2 PhD degrees in 11 areas of focus. SOE’s focus is not only on preparing highly qualified teachers but also in preparing educational leaders, curriculum studies scholars, educational technology experts, applied researchers, higher education professionals, school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors. SOE specializes scholarly expertise regarding pressing educational and wellness issues across the entire lifespan.

Visit the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education.