Louisiana Teacher of the Year Shares How STEM and Robotics Are Changing Classrooms

Louisiana Teacher of the Year Regina Hartley Beard joined the show to discuss how teaching has changed and why curiosity matters in education. Beard, a fifth-grade science and sixth-grade STEM and robotics teacher in the Zachary Community School District, shared how hands-on learning helps students become stronger critical thinkers. She explained how robotics is built into classroom lessons, giving students opportunities to collect data, solve problems and apply science concepts in real-world ways. One example included students using robots and light sensors to study star brightness and distance. Beard also reflected on earning Louisiana Teacher of the Year and how the recognition allowed her to contribute to statewide education discussions and teacher advisory groups. The conversation touched on classroom improvements across Louisiana, including reduced cell phone distractions and efforts focused on letting teachers teach. Beard said collaboration among educators remains key to student success and encouraged teachers to share ideas that help classrooms grow statewide.