Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge

Louisiana is making historic gains in reading with 4th grade NAEP results moving from 42nd to 16th nationwide, but there’s still more work to do. That’s why we’re proud to lift up the Capital Area Literacy Network letter to the editor calling on lawmakers to keep investing in what’s working for kids.

The letter highlights key priorities that can help build on this momentum: stronger coordination around foundational literacy, expanded support for grades 4–8, more access to high-dosage tutoring, and more books in the hands of young readers. These are the kinds of investments that help more students thrive.

We’re grateful to be a part of the Capital Area Literacy Network and to all of the partners working for a stronger literacy future in Louisiana. Read the published letter and join us in supporting efforts that help more students become confident readers.

Read the letter here: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters-legislature-education-bills/article_ec98673a-6f7c-51bc-912a-5dc9e666ebf9.html

Letters: Legislature can help build on La.’s gains in education Students in Louisiana are making historic gains in reading proficiency as we celebrate moving from 42nd in fourth grade NAEP results to 16th nationwide. Still, too many students are not

We’re celebrating a strong showing from the TFA Greater Baton Rouge network at the Urban Leadership Development Initiative (ULDI) this year.

Last night, Kendrick Henson (GBR ’22) graduated from ULDI, Briauna Williams (GBR ’23) was inducted into the newest cohort, and Taylor Anderson (GBR ’16) helped lead programming as a member of the ULDI Alumni Board.

Led by MetroMorphosis, ULDI is a year-long leadership experience that equips community changemakers with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their practice and help build stronger communities. We’re grateful for Kendrick, Briauna, and Taylor’s commitment to growth, service, and leadership in Baton Rouge.

We’re proud to celebrate Jennie Reilly, TFA GBR Emeritus Board Member, on being named a recipient of the 2026 Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award, the school’s highest honor recognizing graduates who have made significant contributions in business and society.

Jennie’s career has been defined by a commitment to service, civic leadership, and social innovation. From cofounding City Year and Echoing Green to helping build transformative partnerships in Baton Rouge as a Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge board member, her work reflects a deep belief in the power of community.

One quote from the article especially stood out to us: “People genuinely want to come together with shared passion and purpose to advance valuable and sustainable impact.” That conviction has shaped Jennie’s leadership for decades, and we’re grateful for the many ways her vision and partnership have strengthened our community.

Read more here: https://www.hbs.edu/news/releases/Pages/2026-alumni-achievement-awards.aspx

Alumni Happy Hour recap 💙

This week, our alumni community gathered at BLDG5 for an evening of connection, good food, drinks, and meaningful conversation. It was especially exciting to see so many members of our newest alumni class, the 2024 corps, represented in the room.

As we spent time together, we also looked ahead to how we can show up for the incoming 2026 corps. Alumni signed up for opportunities to build community and support new corps members in tangible ways—including serving as mentors, hosting community activities, and participating in Alumni Day at practicum to see the 2026 corps teaching in action.

We’re grateful for a network that continues to show up for one another and invest in the next generation of educators. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special.

🎉 Congratulations to Gelisa Patin! 🎉

Gelisa is the recipient of the Alumni Cordell Haymon Excellence in Teaching Award- an honor recognizing Teach For America second-year corps members and alumni who exemplify excellence in the classroom and live out TFA’s core values every day.

Gelisa is a 10th-grade biology teacher at Plaquemine Senior High School, where her impact can be felt across the entire campus. In addition to teaching, she serves as the Beta Club and Cheer sponsor, extending her support and leadership well beyond the classroom.

As one administrator shared, “Her impact is felt across our entire campus. She strengthens our culture, supports her colleagues, and creates meaningful opportunities for students to succeed.”

We’re grateful for the way Gelisa cares for her students, colleagues, and the broader PHS community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. 👏🧬💙

AmeriCorps Volunteer Louisiana

🎉 Congratulations to Basil Lloyd-Moffett! 🎉

Basil is the recipient of the Corps Member Cordell Haymon Excellence in Teaching Award- an honor recognizing Teach For America second-year corps members and alumni who exemplify excellence in the classroom and live out TFA’s core values every day.

As an 11th-grade history teacher at Collegiate Baton Rouge, Basil is known for the deep commitment he brings to student growth. As his administrators shared, “Basil is a passionate educator who obsesses over kids achieving absolute results. He looks to himself to ensure that his classroom is on track to hit goals and that his kids get what they need to grow, no matter how unique their needs may be.”

We’re grateful for the way Basil leads with both high expectations and high support. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. 👏📜

AmeriCorps Volunteer Louisiana

Alumni in Greater Baton Rouge, join us tonight, Wednesday, May 20 from 5-7pm at BLDG 5 to connect with the newest group of alumni, learn how you can engage with the incoming 2026 corps, and meet fellow alumni who are attending Teach For America’s 35th Anniversary Summit! Summit travel bags will be available for the first 50 attendees!

RSVP using this link: https://forms.gle/LueAkSQesYweJFMeA

🎉 Congratulations to Annina Amaguas! 🎉

Annina has been named a finalist for the Corps Member Cordell Haymon Excellence in Teaching Award—an honor recognizing Teach For America second-year corps members and alumni who exemplify excellence in the classroom and live out TFA’s core values every day.

As a 9th- and 10th-grade English teacher at Livonia High School, Annina’s impact extends far beyond instruction. As one administrator shared, “They have a way of connecting with students that encourages the students to be more accepting of classroom instruction and to have a drive to be engaged.” They launched an outdoor club with more than 70 student participants, secured $20,000 in grant funding to expand enrichment opportunities, and continue creating learning experiences that are thoughtful, engaging, and joyful for students.

We’re grateful for the creativity, care, and community Annina brings to school each day. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. 👏📚🌿

AmeriCorps Volunteer Louisiana