Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, joined the Teacher Leader Summit 2025 to reflect on the past school year and share his vision for the future. He praised the Department of Education’s team and the successful logistics of hosting over 7,000 educators.
Brumley highlighted key achievements from the previous year, including the statewide rollout of a tutoring model for elementary students, a bold move by the state board to raise accountability standards, and a significant expansion of paid internships for high school students on career pathways—from 300 to 1,500 placements. He emphasized Louisiana’s national progress in education, moving from 49th to 32nd in rankings, and leading in reading and math improvements. Brumley stressed the importance of maintaining focus on foundational skills like reading and math, rather than chasing educational fads. He also discussed the importance of local autonomy, allowing districts to implement strategies that align with their unique contexts while adhering to state standards. At the summit, themed “A New Story for Louisiana Education,” Brumley led a session titled “Let Teachers Teach,” which drew 900 attendees. He reinforced the importance of empowering educators and valuing their professional expertise. The summit featured over 500 sessions on topics such as foundational literacy, civics, career readiness, and leadership development. Brumley also expressed hopes for continued legislative support, particularly in funding tutoring programs and teacher pay. He concluded by celebrating the growing respect and professional recognition teachers are receiving, noting that the summit reflects a shift toward valuing educators’ voices and contributions in shaping Louisiana’s educational future.