Napoleonville Middle School Principal Kathi Aucoin Named Louisiana Principal of the Year Semifinalist
Aucoin recognized for making exceptional gains with students at her school, guiding them to achieve at the highest levels in the state.
Kathi Aucoin, principal of Napoleonville Middle School in Assumption Parish, has been named a semifinalist for the state’s top principal of the year.
Kathi Aucoin, principal of Napoleonville Middle School, has been named a semifinalist for the state’s top principal of the year.
Aucoin is one of 24 principals from across the state, and one of only eight middle school principals, who will be honored at the 16th Annual Excellent Educators Awards Gala in New Orleans on July 30, 2022. The event is co-sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education and Dream Teachers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and reward exceptional educators in Louisiana.
The state will recognize the top principals at the three school levels – elementary, middle school and high school; as well as an overall top winner.
“To be recognized among the state’s top principals is quite an honor for Ms. Aucoin and her school. The recognition speaks to her vision for the school, her ability to lead her team in that vision, and her ability to positively impact learning in the classroom,” Assumption Parish School Superintendent John Barthelemy said.
Aucoin has more than 21 years of experience as an educator in the Assumption Parish School System. Her career has included working as a middle school math teacher, a district instructional coach, an assistant principal, and for the last three years, principal of Napoleonville Middle School.
Aucoin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Grades 1-8, and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nicholls State University. She also holds teaching certifications with the Louisiana Department of Education and received her principal leadership certification by completing the principal fellowships with the National Institute for School Leadership.
She said her short tenure has been challenged by the COVID pandemic.
“I have had to put more time and focus into the social and emotional wellbeing of my students and staff over this time,” Aucoin said. “I know that these basic needs must be addressed first so everyone can be in a position to facilitate learning.”
Aucoin noted that although the state did not award grades to schools because of COVID, her school did grow its School Performance Score, and overall, students exhibited improvement in their testing scores.
“I am proud of the work we’re doing in our school,” she said. “Our teachers and staff work hard to promote meaningful relationships with our students, with each other and with the families in our community. We believe every student can learn every day, at every period of the day, and we ensure that happens by focusing on meeting our students where they are.”
“For some, that means helping them excel beyond the day’s lesson; for others who struggle, that means working with them to scaffold their learning, to fill in any gaps that may exist,” Aucoin said. “Our teachers are doing this through small group instructional settings and we’re seeing a positive impact.”
Aucoin noted that she comes from a long family lineage of educators who have worked in the Assumption Parish School System.
“This school system is an integral part of who I am. I always knew working here is what I wanted to do. My mother and some of my aunts taught in the district, and my uncle served as superintendent. I knew this is where I wanted to make a positive difference,” Aucoin said.