by Hanna Singh
Lincoln Parish has announced its 2024 Educators of the Year, with Jennifer Breeding recognized as Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. Known for her dedication and strong faith shown in her work, Breeding has been a shining presence in early childhood education programs in Lincoln Parish for many years.
Breeding began her teaching career in 2000 as a graduate assistant at the Louisiana Tech Early Childhood Education Center. She thrived under the mentorship of Laura Chestnut and the rest of the faculty at the Louisiana Tech University School of Human Ecology. However, she felt a calling to work with smaller groups of children. This led her to become a special instructor for Louisiana Early Steps Early Intervention, where she spent 12 years working individually with infants and toddlers with special needs and their families.
Breeding later transitioned to classroom teaching when she was offered a position working with first graders at Simsboro School. Eventually, she became a special education preschool teacher at the Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center (LPECC), a role she has held for the past nine years. At LPECC, Breeding continues to show her love for teaching and her dedication to her students.
For Breeding, teaching is not just an occupation to bring home a paycheck, but rather a passion that she believes aligned with God’s plan for her life. Her teaching style emphasizes approaching students with love and building trust to help them reach their full potential. Breeding explained that she knew teaching was the right path for her and that her approach had enabled her to better understand her students’ individual needs.
“Ephesians 2:10 says we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.” God’s purpose for my life was for me to work with young children. My favorite part about teaching is seeing the progress my students make from the beginning of the year to the end of the year,” Breeding said. “Some students come in fearful at the beginning and through building a trusting relationship, they become more confident and trusting in themselves. I believe in building trusting relationships by loving them and reassuring them that they are safe, so they can focus more on learning and growing.”
Breeding believes that everyone has a calling, and hers is undoubtedly to be a special education preschool teacher. Through both good days and challenging ones, she has always found joy in supporting her students. Breeding explained the importance of teachers not being afraid to try new strategies and think outside the box to connect with young students, helping them succeed early in their school journey. When asked what motivates her to continue in her career each day, she referenced the phrase that LPECC principal Amy Brister often says, “the only time we are unsuccessful is when we quit trying, and the bible verse “the faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” 23-22:3 Lamentations.
Breeding noted the close-knit bonds among teachers and staff within the Lincoln Parish School Board community, describing the ongoing support and appreciation she receives from her colleagues. She also expressed her gratitude for being named one of the Educators of the Year.
“There are so many gifted and dedicated preschool teachers in this parish, which is why I am very honored to be named the District Early Childhood Teacher of the Year,” Breeding said. “My mentors, other teachers, family, and praying friends have helped me get to where I am in my career today.”
Breeding’s dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her work as a teacher shows why she deserves Teacher of the Year recognition. Her loving approach to teaching has left a lasting impact at LPECC and in the lives of the many students who have passed through her classroom.
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