Jodie Landry, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of teaching experience, has been making a significant impact at Ernest Gallet Elementary since 2019. This year, Jodie’s exceptional work in the classroom has earned her a nomination as one of three finalists from Louisiana for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This recognition reflects her passion for teaching and her commitment to fostering a love for science in her students.
With the support of her new principal, Jenna Vincent, Jodie was moved into the school's science lab—a space that had been repurposed as a band room for nearly a decade. Now, Jodie has transformed this space into a dynamic learning environment where students from Kindergarten through fifth grade engage in hands-on science experiments and exploratory learning.
Jodie’s current passion project involves an innovative integrated unit for fifth graders that combines Astronomy, Physics, and Art. Drawing from her training in art integration for science at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., she has created a curriculum that is both educational and creative. The unit explores the Solar System and Newton’s Laws, with students engaging in experiments and artistic projects that reflect different artistic styles, such as Cubism and Impressionism. This creative approach allows students to express their understanding of scientific concepts through art, deepening their connection to the material.
Jodie’s passion for science was ignited by her own fifth-grade teacher, who was honored by Disney, NASA, and the United States Air Force for his contributions to education. Her love for Astronomy was further fueled by her mother’s work with Rockwell International, a NASA partner, during the Discovery missions. Jodie’s experiences have shaped her teaching philosophy, and she now strives to inspire her students in the same way she was inspired as a child.
Through her innovative teaching methods and dedication to her students, Jodie Landry is truly making a difference at Ernest Gallet Elementary, preparing the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers.