2022 Louisiana Principal of theYear

Marco French

Queensborough Elementary School, Caddo parish

Mr. Marco French proudly serves as principal of Queensborough Elementary School in Shreveport, Louisiana. His incredible story of faithfulness, perseverance, and resilience is inspiring. Being taught the importance of pride, dignity, and dedication, has led French to accomplish transformative work. French started this journey as a substitute teacher at Atkins Elementary in 2003. In January 2010, the winds shifted and he pursued a career in education. Certified, this powerhouse educator extended his wings,

and he became a beacon of light within his school and district. Named principal of Queensborough Elementary in 2017, a failing school since 1999, Queensborough faced state takeover. Despite the challenges of high mobility rates, poverty, and a crime-stricken neighborhood, French accepted no excuses. He worked diligently in establishing relationships with the community and his students. In two years, French took what appeared impossible and made it possible. The community invested in the school once again, improving the neighborhood. Under French’s leadership, the school experienced tremendous growth as evidenced by being removed from the state’s academically failing list, receiving recognition as Louisiana’s Outstanding School, and ranking #1 of the Top 10 High Performing Schools for 3rd Grade Literacy Progress and Growth (2019). Queensborough was also recognized for having the highest growth in the district with a 93.7% progress index and school performance score increase of 8 points. French received his Bachelors of Science in Education from Grambling State University and earned his Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

2021 HONOREES

The Principal of the Year Process

The process for selecting a Louisiana Principal of the Year begins at the local level. Each school within every public or public charter school district is eligible to select a Principal of the Year subject to their own selection criteria. Those individual local school nominations are sent to the District level for further review and consideration.

Each District Superintendent or public charter school District may select three outstanding teachers to forward to the State Department of Education for competition at the state level. Of the three District nominations, there will be one elementary, one middle school, and one high school principal selected.

The Louisiana Department of Education continues a review and evaluation of all District candidates submitted. To learn more about the Principal of the Year selection process, contact LDOE at louisianabelieves.com/teaching/award-programs. Questions regarding the selection process or on-line applications should be directed to the department.

The 2020 Louisiana Principal of the Year will be announced at the 2019 Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala to be held on July 19, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.  This event is dedicated to recognizing and honoring Louisiana’s outstanding principals, and is jointly sponsored by Dream Teachers, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Association of Principals.