A Teacher Who Sees Beyond Grades

Emily Weber, an educator at Edgar Martin Middle School, stands out as one of three early-career teachers in the Lafayette Parish School System nominated for the prestigious Education All-Stars awards. The honor came as a surprise, delivered by her students, cheerleaders, administrators, and representatives from Love Our Schools, bringing her to tears—a rare moment for her.

A Teacher Who Makes a Difference

Weber teaches English-language arts (ELA) to eighth-grade gifted students, creative writing, and a leadership class. She has the unique opportunity of teaching the same ELA students she had when they were in sixth grade, allowing her to build a strong rapport with them.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Classroom

At the start of each year, Weber asks her students to fill out an interest inventory. This helps her understand their preferences, likes, dislikes, and how they like to be recognized for their achievements. She fosters a classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions, make mistakes, and take risks. Building trust with her students is a priority for her.

A Journey to Teaching

Weber's path to teaching is an interesting one. Despite coming from a family of educators—her parents were principals, and her mom sits on a school board—she didn't always want to be a teacher. She worked in different fields but never felt fulfilled. She decided to go back to school to pursue a career that would make a positive impact.

Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Students

Weber's motivation for teaching is clear: She wants to be the teacher she never had. She aims to break stereotypes about younger, tattooed female teachers and show her students that she is there for their success, not just for a paycheck.

Honoring the Finalists

The finalists for the 2025-2026 Education All-Stars will be honored during the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s men’s basketball game on Feb. 7. The winners will be announced during halftime.