Education Superheroes

It’s not uncommon for adults to still remember a special teacher they had in elementary, middle or high school. Their influence on us can last a lifetime and set us up for future success. Thrive highlights five teachers, one of whom was recently awarded a leadership role in the Calcasieu Parish school district, making a difference through every lesson inside the classroom and out. All five women say the same thing: teaching isn’t just about learning a subject, but it’s also about the relationships forged with students. 

Sarah Logan

S.P. Arnett Middle School – Seventh Grade Math Teacher

Sara Logan’s path to teaching didn’t start with a straightforward goal to educate. “I fell victim to being unsure of what I wanted to do post-graduation and switched my major multiple times,” she says. She would ultimately attain an associate degree in general studies, a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a master’s degree in instructional technology, all from McNeese State University. Logan attained her teaching certification after a career change in 2020.

For the last six years, Logan has taught seventh grade math, regular and advanced, at S.P. Arnett Middle School. She says one of her favorite aspects of teaching is “finding ways to connect what students are learning in class to the real world. Students frequently want to know why they are learning something, and that makes math meaningful.”

One of the lessons Logan has learned over her years of teaching is that the classroom environment is not always about teaching just math but life lessons as well. “I was naïve to think teaching would primarily involve standing in front of a classroom delivering instruction. In my first year of teaching, I had a class where paper airplanes were being thrown. I asked who was doing it and heard crickets. That math lesson took a vocabulary detour into the meaning of integrity. I have a picture of myself and one student from that class with my ‘integrity’ paper airplane—the definition was written on its side by another student. He always tells me it is one thing he will never forget from my class, which is the importance of being honest and doing what is right.”

As far as daily impact on the future changemakers of America, Logan finds nothing more fulfilling than helping others. “I have the opportunity to continue watching students grow after they leave my classroom, especially as a Westlake resident and the wife of a Westlake High School teacher and football and baseball coach. Can I get a ‘Go Rams?!’”

As recipient of the Middle School Teacher of the Year designation, Logan finds the honor humbling as she is surrounded by so many other teachers who she finds inspiring. What makes the recognition unforgettable is her former student was named Middle School Student of the Year alongside her.

Logan will begin her role as lead teacher in the upcoming school year. She is excited to see what the future holds for her upcoming and outgoing students. “The first class I taught just graduated high school in May, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their next chapter.”

Jaron Dubois

Our Lady Queen of Heaven – Sixth Grade Math & Science

Despite her desire to become a teacher since childhood, Jaren Dubois spent her first three years at McNeese State University pursuing a nursing degree. After deciding she had pushed that part of herself away for too long, she changed her major and earned a degree in elementary education for grades one through eight. 

Dubois has been teaching for two decades and has served as an educator at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School for the last 10 years. She loves her job and says, “Teaching at OLQHS has been the best decision I could have ever made for my teaching career. It has been a wonderful Christian environment in which both my children and I have thrived.” 

Getting to know her students is Dubois’ favorite part of teaching. “I look back on the gift of all the students who have walked into my classroom over the years, and I am so thankful God has placed each one of them in my life. They are all a gift and teach me in many ways as well.” 

Dubois also feels fulfilled when students tell her they have enjoyed the lesson. She hopes they receive confidence while under her instruction. “I want them to see what they can accomplish and learn when they put forth effort and hard work and thereby receive joy from looking at their own accomplishments. I see myself as a guide to show them all the possibilities.” 

As a middle school math and science teacher, Dubois says, “I didn’t realize how much I would love teaching middle school aged kids. I started out thinking I would only teach in elementary school. Middle school is such a unique stage of life. Students are beginning to discover who they are and develop a clearer understanding of their interests and values.” 

Dubois gets great satisfaction out of teaching sixth grade math and science. “I get to be the teacher who introduces the topics they will continue to learn in depth over the next five years of their education. My favorite thing to teach is anything that involves a STEM project. A sixth-grade favorite is building a paper roller coaster. They get to be super creative, and each group member can see where they shine. I can always tell who my future engineers are during these projects. 

Virginia Kate Jessen

Immaculate Conception Catholic School – Music Teacher, Drama Director, Liturgical Service Music Director, Middle School French Teacher 

Virginia Jessen’s teachers saw teaching potential in her long before she decided to pursue the field. A suggestion that began in high school and continued in college, Jessen didn’t pivot to teaching until she started earning her graduate degree at Centenary College. “I was initially reluctant to pursue the field. My original career path focused on editing and translation while I studied music and French literature. Upon discovering I could graduate a semester early, my academic advisor suggested enrolling in a few master’s level education courses. After completing my first class and observing at several schools, I realized education was my true calling.” She would later graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching for French and music. 

Teaching at Immaculate Conception Catholic School was Jessen’s first job after college, and she’s still there 14 years later. “Teaching in a Catholic environment allows me the privilege of supporting students’ spiritual growth by weaving faith into my lessons,” she says.  

As a music and French teacher, drama director and liturgical service music director, Jessen has the privilege of catering to a wide age range of students in the school. “It allows me to witness the development of my students year after year,” she says. “It is rewarding to see several former students pursue music in college, and I always appreciate the chance to watch them perform within the community. I also enjoy cultivating meaningful relationships and addressing the unique needs of every student.” 

As an educator instilling knowledge in the future changemakers of America, Jessen says she aims to not just teach a subject but instill life skills as well. “My goal is for them to feel consistently supported, encouraged and appropriately challenged in a classroom environment that they recognize as a safe space for taking risks, making errors and growing. If students leave my classroom believing in their ability to learn, contribute and positively influence others, then I know I’ve helped shape not only their future but also the communities and generations they will impact.”

Catherine Schram

St. Margaret Catholic School

Catherine Schram grew up in Bridge City, Texas, where both of her parents worked in the school system. Their dedication to education had a significant influence on her and inspired her own career path. After graduating from high school, Schram moved to Lake Charles to attend McNeese State University. She has now been in education for 38 years.

For the past 31 years, she has served at St. Margaret Catholic School, where she has taught a variety of subjects in grades four through eight. In addition, she spent seven years at McNeese State University as both a teacher and assistant director of the ESLI Program. Currently, she teaches English to students in grades six through eight.

Schram’s favorite part of teaching is building relationships with students and encouraging them to reach their full potential—and often beyond what they think possible. “Over the years, I have found when students are treated with respect and are held to high expectations, they rise to meet those expectations,” she says. “Watching students grow in confidence, character and academic ability is one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession.”

Throughout her years at St. Margaret Catholic School, Schram has had the privilege of teaching students who have become outstanding members of our communities. “They have pursued successful careers, become leaders in their fields and made meaningful contributions to the lives of others,” she says. She believes much of their success is rooted in the values, virtues and strong faith foundation they received while attending St. Margaret. “One of the greatest compliments the school can receive is when former students choose to enroll their own children or return to education themselves,” she adds.

When Schram first entered the field of education, she had to adapt. Her college courses had focused on curriculum, lesson planning and classroom management. While those skills are important, she quickly learned the heart of teaching is building relationships. “Students need to know they are valued, respected and believed in,” she says. “Once that foundation of mutual respect is established, I discovered learning becomes much more meaningful and effective.”

Making an impact on future generations means helping young people discover their strengths, develop strong values and believe in their ability to make a difference in the world. “As educators, we may never fully realize the extent of our influence, but we have the opportunity every day to plant seeds that will continue to grow long after students leave our classrooms,” Schram says.

One of the greatest joys of Schram’s career is running into former students. “We are always excited to see one another and catch up on their lives,” she says. “Hearing about their accomplishments, their families and the paths they have chosen reminds me why I became an educator. Their lives are a testament not only to their own hard work and determination but also to the lasting impact that St. Margaret Catholic School has had on generations of students.”

Brandi Trahan

Coordinator of Teacher and Leader Support for the Calcasieu Parish School District

Brandi Trahan recently changed positions from principal at W.T. Henning Elementary to coordinator of teacher and leader support for the Calcasieu Parish school district. Her years of classroom and leadership experience have uniquely positioned her to take on her new role. But how did arrive at this point?

Trahan says, “My journey into education was shaped by the teachers I had growing up—particularly my high school English teacher, whose passion for literature and genuine love of teaching were contagious. Seeing how she inspired students to fall in love with learning made me realize that education is about much more than curriculum; it’s about igniting curiosity in young minds.”

After earning her undergraduate degree from McNeese State University and her master’s from Lamar University, Trahan began teaching at Sulphur High School, where she would remain for 14 years. She then had the special opportunity to return to W.T. Henning, which she had attended as a child, to serve as assistant principal before being promoted to principal the next year.

What Trahan loved most about serving as principal was the ability to create “a positive school culture where both student and teachers can truly thrive. Leadership, for me, has always been about being a role model and inspiring others to dream big and achieve their goals. But honestly, the best part? It’s the simple moments—the smiles on my students’ faces and those unexpected hugs in the hallways. Those genuine connections are what make every single day worth it. They bright light and joy to everything I do.”

One of the most valuable lessons Trahan has learned over the years is simple but something that is discovered through experience. “When you genuinely prioritize the wellbeing and growth of your students and staff—when you listen, support and celebrate them—the academic and professional success follow naturally,” she says. 

Being an instrumental part of the education process come with responsibility and stewardship. If a counselor, teacher or principal does their job well, they are actively influencing the future for good. “Every decision I make, every student I support and every teacher I empower has ripple effects beyond what I can see,” Trahan says. “When we invest in our young people and create environments where they feel valued and inspired to learn, we’re not just changing their lives—we’re shaping the leaders, innovator and compassionate citizens our world needs.”

As she hits the ground running as coordinator of teacher and leader support, Trahan says she has been prepped for the job after being principal. “My seven years at W.T. Henning taught me what works on the ground level—the challenges teachers face, what students need to thrive and how strong leadership can transform a school culture. Now I have the opportunity to share those insights, support principals and teachers district-wide and help create the conditions for excellence in every school. I want to be a resource and advocate for our educators, because when teachers feel supported and empowered, students succeed.