By Emma Stone
As the school year ends, the Louisiana Department of Education releases their chosen semi-finalists to receive the Principal of the Year award recently.
Jennifer Martin’s name is on the list for Principal of Choudrant Elementary School to represent Lincoln Parish.
Martin taught for one year in Bossier Parish, then settled in Lincoln Parish for the next 24 years.
During her start in Lincoln Parish, she worked for two years and moved to Glenview Elementary School in where she taught and became a coordinator.
Once Martin found out that Choudrant Elementary School’s principal was retiring after 34 years, she decided to apply.
“I have worked for different principals over the years. When I decided to apply for principal, it was truly, because I wanted to make a difference in all student’s lives,” said Martin. “I wanted to be the kind of principal that I felt teachers needed.”
Martin stated that she loved the thought of being with students from pre-k all the way to sixth grade.
“It was a model for building relationships with students and being a part of their lives for a major part of schooling,” said Martin.
Martin was hired to be principal for the 2021-22 school year and offered events to help the community’s vision for the school come to life.
As part of the application process for Louisiana Principal of the Year, participants were asked to send in their portfolio outlining their qualifications, reflection and vision.
Brandon Sutherland, communications coordinator for Lincoln Parish School District, spoke about the importance for Martin to make it at a state level.
“It is always a huge honor to be represented at the state level,” said Sutherland. “Martin is one of those people who gets along with everybody which is so important for a school system.”
Sutherland defines what the award means for Martin at the Semi-Finalist stage.
“To be in this position, is not only to be an ambassador for Louisiana, but a community leader,” said Sutherland.
Martin accredits many more to her accomplishments as her second year as principal.
“The success of our school was a collaborative effort,” said Martin. “It started with a vision from all stakeholders and our teachers, staff, parents, and especially our students worked toward their goal.”
On this school year’s LEAP test, Choudrant Elementary School’s scores met and exceeded the pre-COVID scores in every academic subject.
“Schools are successful when leaders of the school make every decisions based on what is in the best interest of students,” said Martin.
Although Martin did not become a finalist for Louisiana Principal of the Year, she notes the importance of putting her students first.
“Before I make any decisions, I ask myself: ‘Is this what is best for the students?’” said Martin.
