This may only be their first year in the classroom, but three Bossier Parish educators are quickly making their mark, leading them to be chosen as the 2025-26 Bossier Parish New Teachers of the Year. Each of them a graduate of Bossier Schools, the trio made the choice to return to their community to teach the next generation.
They were surprised by Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland, who brought a passel of well-wishers with him to make the announcements.
The process for selecting the overall Louisiana New Teacher of the Year starts at the school level, then advances to the district. The next step is the state level, which is where these new educators are headed. Meet the 2025-26 Bossier Parish New Teachers of the Year:
Kirsten Hackleman is the Bossier Parish Elementary New Teacher of the Year. She is a fifth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Curtis Elementary. While completing her college degree, Hackleman learned the importance of classroom environment and creating a safe space for her students. She believes students need an environment that they feel comfortable in to make mistakes, conquer challenges and feel they are welcomed in order to properly strive in the classroom.
Michael Shelton will represent Bossier Parish as the Middle School New Teacher of the Year. An eighth grade Science teacher at Rusheon Middle School, Shelton believes in the power of personal connections. He is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with his students, believing it is essential to fill multiple roles in their lives, whether as a teacher, mentor, father figure or friend.
Emmitt Antwine teaches Pre-Advanced Geometry at Haughton High and is the High School New Teacher of the Year. Recognized for his innovative teaching methods, Antwine is committed to creating a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, learn from their mistakes and grow both academically and personally. He believes the best way to learn mathematics is by embracing mistakes and seeing them as valuable opportunities for learning and growth.
Statewide winners will be announced in July 2025 by the Louisiana Department of Education. The New Teacher of the Year will then serve in that role for the 2025-26 school year.