For today’s #SundaySpotlight, the Lafourche Schools Spotlight is on Tyler Dufrene.
Tyler is a sixth grade math teacher at Raceland Middle School and has been employed with the Lafourche Parish School District for 3½ of his 12½ years in education. He was an elected member of the Lafourche Parish School Board from 2019-2022.
He is a graduate of Central Lafourche High School and Nicholls State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in education and minors in chemistry and business administration. He also graduated from the American College of Education with a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Some of Tyler’s educational honors include: LACUE’s Louisiana State Secondary Teacher of the Year (2019), Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (2021), Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow (2022-23) and one of Forbes.com’s Best Teachers in the Country (2024).
“Mr. Dufrene represents Raceland Middle and Lafourche Parish well by spreading his knowledge of math and science through hands-on learning," said Karen Osborne, RMS principal, who nominated him for the Spotlight. He was chosen to lead a session titled "Hands-On Innovation: Eureka Math Squared Meets Science" earlier this month at the Louisiana Science Teachers Association (LSTA)/Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics (LATM) Joint Conference in Baton Rouge.
Engaging students in hands-on learning and helping them make real-world connections are some of the things he enjoys most about working in education.
“The greatest joy I get from working with students is helping them build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in life,” Tyler said. “I especially love making math and STEM fun by showing real-life connections that spark curiosity and keep students engaged. Seeing them realize how these subjects apply to their everyday lives makes learning more meaningful.”
“At the same time, I truly value working alongside my colleagues,” he added. “Their unwavering support allows me to continually hone my craft, learn new strategies, and stay inspired. Together, we create a positive environment where both students and educators can soar to new heights.”
Please join us in thanking Tyler for his service to the district and for making learning fun and relatable for the children of Lafourche Parish.
#lpsdproud #SchoolSuperstar