State Teacher of Year honored at reception

Louisiana State Teacher of the Year 2009 Deborah Tonguis was honored at a reception before the St. Tammany Parish School Board meeting Thursday night. Tonguis, a world geography and psychology teacher at Mandeville High School, said, “My life hasn’t changed very much. I’m still on bus duty, doing what I’ve always done.”

Tonguis’ teaching philosophy and beliefs were revealed in a four-minute video of her PowerPoint presentation made to state Department of Education representatives during her interview.

The colorful presentation included a global learning aspect, with the world globe imprinted on the hands of a teacher, then the face of a student. In the presentation, she said, “We are no longer just teachers, but facilitators of a new global consciousness.” Tonguis also said teacher retention and recruitment begins in the classroom.

During her life, Tonguis moved a lot, attending six elementary schools, two junior high schools and four high schools. She said teachers were her mentors, books her friends and the classroom her world. A lifelong learner herself, she has a love of learning she tries to impart to her students.

Tonguis said to prepare for her presentation in Baton Rouge she listened to Mandeville’s band’s recordings while riding, particularly the drum line.

Superintendent Gayle Sloan said the state Department of Education said Tonguis’ presentation was “incredible.”

As part of her award from the state, Tonguis received the use of a new Mercedes Benz to drive for a year. At the reception, Deputy Superintendent Trey Folse surprised her with an $800 Shell credit card to help her “fill up a few times.”

Tonguis also received a bouquet of flowers from the School Board and a commemorative plaque from teachers’ union president Elsie Burkhalter.

The state Department of Education also gave her two complimentary airline tickets to fly anywhere in the continental United States; a free rental car for four days; jewelry; supplies for her classroom, including a laptop computer; ACTIVboard from Promethean, Inc; a $500 gift certificate from Dream Teachers, L.L.C.; a $100 gift certificate from Apple Education for Apple products; and soft drinks and coffee for her school’s faculty lounge for a year as part of her prize package.

Former State Teachers of the Year from St. Tammany Parish were also present at the reception to congratulate Tonguis. They include Sandra James, 1997; John Swang, 1991; Melody Swang, 1999; Lucille Vennen, 2000: and Suzanne Buras, 2003.

Superintendent Gayle Sloan explained the selection process that Tonguis completed to achieve her award. First, the nominees of each school submit a portfolio to the parish or district School Board. The winners at the district level are automatically entered into the regional competition. Winners at the regional competition are forwarded to the state competition. The state competition includes an interview and presentation process each teacher must present for the judges.