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American Press
16-05-2025
- General
- American Press
Matthew Jones: Favorite part of teaching is watching students become successful adults
Teacher of the Year Matthew Jones transitioned into a new role: special education. Jones is Beauregard Parish born and bred, and currently resides in Longville. Both of his grandmothers and his brother were teachers in Beauregard Parish. This played a role in his decision to become a teacher, but it was ultimately the dedication of an individual who taught him that inspired him. Throughout his schooling, he encountered several effective educators whom he still talks to today. But it was his high school band director, Gary Michaels, who was the most influential. During Jones' junior and senior years, he was given the opportunity by Michaels to work with younger students. His work to help educate his peers planted the seed that would become his career aspirations. 'Ultimately, I think that God has placed me in a position to have a positive impact on my students.' After graduating from South Beauregard High School in 1995, he earned his Bachelor's in instrumental music education from McNeese State University. He taught instrumental music for over two decades at three different schools: Moss Bluff Middle School, Sam Houston High School and South Beauregard High School. But with 2020 came the COVID-19 pandemic. And with the pandemic came a need for change in Jones' life. The landscape of education became a landmine of uncertainty and 'burnout' for teachers and students alike during 2020 and 2021. He was not immune to these symptoms. 'I seriously considered taking an early retirement,' he recalled. 'My family and I spent time praying about it and considering other options, and I kept thinking about some students that I had taught over the years who had disabilities.' One of his fondest memories as a teacher is of a sixth-grade autistic student who joined the band program. With Jones' guidance, this student stayed active in band until she graduated from high school and 'flourished.' This experience became the catalyst for his decision to make the switch. 'I had several special education students involved in music through the years and enjoyed working with them and seeing them grow,' he explained. 'I felt special education was an area where I could have a positive impact on the lives of students.' He completed the coursework required for his special education certification in 2024 through Grand Canyon University and is now teaching fifth through eighth grade special education at Singer High School. He is also the co-sponsor for the junior and senior Beta Clubs at Singer, as well as a substitute bus driver and driver for extracurricular activities. Like with the sixth-grade student who inspired Jones, his favorite part of the gig is getting to see his students become successful adults. He maintains healthy relationships with them by curating a classroom that is safe and makes it clear he cares about their success. His teaching space might look typical with a table and regular desks, but he also provides the students with cubicles and standing desks. Since each student in special education is unique, these options let them be in their most comfortable position while learning. It also offers flexibility and agency for his students. 'I like to create a place where my students have the freedom and security to tell me what is going on in their lives.' The goal is always to get his students through school so they can succeed in life. But this isn't just for the students. He believes the community benefits greatly when students get a good education and learn skills, like welding and cooking. The relationship is symbiotic, especially for members of the small, rural community, he said. Parents provide support for students and teachers alike, and the school provides services — counseling, occupational therapy, speech therapy — that some parents cannot afford. From his firsthand experience, Jones said every current and future teacher should take the time to be introspective and determine what they need to keep their fire for teaching lit. 'Education can be tough, but it is also extremely rewarding.'
American Press
02-05-2025
- General
- American Press
History teacher emulates the educators who sparked his future
Shaun 'Tyler' Laurent is the Beauregard Parish School Board 2024-25 High School Teacher of the Year. (Special to the American Press) South Beauregard High School was always a home to Shaun 'Tyler' Laurent, 25, whether he knew it or not. He is the school's U.S. history and history 201 dual enrollment teacher. He is also the Beauregard Parish School Board 2024-25 High School Teacher of the Year. But seven years ago, he was a graduating senior. During high school, two teachers profoundly impacted him: Bryant Habetz, a history teacher, and Billie Stultz, an English teacher. Habetz reignited Laurent's passion for history with his energetic teaching style, while Stultz built up his confidence in writing and speaking through her constant encouragement and supportive classroom environment. These teachers didn't know they were influencing Laurent's career path. He didn't know, either. 'Initially, I had no desire to become an educator. I can remember sitting in Habz's class thinking that I enjoyed the class but would not want to do what he did.' He attended McNeese State University, earning a bachelor's in liberal arts with a concentration in history in 2021. Later, he earned his master's in history from a Liberty State University online program. History has been a passion since he was a child. Habetz recalled reading books on ancient Egypt with his mother and watching the Indiana Jones movies 'on repeat' with his grandfather. It wasn't until his sophomore year of college he decided to follow the path that was carved when he was young. 'I remember going through my biology and chemistry classes … and thinking that I really didn't enjoy school like I had before. I got to thinking about what I had really enjoyed. I remembered when I was younger and how I had wanted to become an archaeologist like Indiana Jones,' he recalled. 'I completely switched my focus to history and never looked back.' A month after graduating, he heard about a social studies position that opened at his old high school. He took this as a divine sign and jumped into the opportunity. He started in August 2021 as an eighth-grade Louisiana history teacher, but is now teaching history to high school juniors. Laurent enjoyed teaching eighth grade, but his long-term goal is to teach college courses. After just four years, he achieved this goal. He took on one more responsibility and began teaching dual enrollment history courses through McNeese, as well. He also helps coach football and track, and a lso used to coach wrestling. The pursuit and sharing of knowledge is a 'two-fold' aspect of teaching he loves. Education allows him to stay connected to the subject he loves while redirecting his passion to his classes. The enthusiasm for the curriculum is infectious and as a result, he has developed meaningful relationships with his students, emulating the educators who sparked his future. 'The impact that an educator can have on so many young individuals is profound, so having the opportunity to be a positive role model in some way for students is a blessing,' he said. In smaller communities like Longville and Ragley, K-12 education is especially important, as schools are the thread that connects nearly all residents, he said. 'Someone you know or even yourself has passed through those halls and had a similar experience in some way,' he said. 'For educators, it is our job to make sure that the experience everyone has is positive.' The relationships he builds with students vary depending on who you ask — football players might joke about doing burpees and planks in class. But his approach is rooted in honesty and high expectations. He challenges students to strive for academic excellence while remaining authentic and approachable. By being 'as much as an everyday person as possible,' he aims to encourage his students to be genuine and honest. This supports his class mission statement, 'push yourself to be better every day.' He instills this principle in his students with the hope that it bleeds into their personal lives. Laurent believes these are lessons best learned in an educational environment, which are 'fundamental parts of societal growth.' ' If everyone would put value in education and then push each other to be better in everything, the world would have a much more informed and functional population,' he explained. 'There is value in everything. You just have to find it for yourself.'
