Natalie Jordan, 33, has loved literature since she was little.

In her Teacher of the Year portfolio, she recalled how she spent her youth exploring the Bayou Lacassine swamps or in her mother’s lap as she read to Jordan.

“As an adult, I’ve spent many afternoons cross-legged on the floor of the library, but truly far away in fantasy worlds and long-gone times.”

She was a studious student who “thrived in the academic challenges,” she told the American Press.

“I did, however, shed tears quite a few times over math.”

She was born in Lake Charles but was raised and lived in DeQuincy. In 2014, she graduated with honors from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She has taught at Starks High School since graduation.

Over a decade, Jordan has taught middle and high school English; AP psychology; speech; and reading intervention. Currently, she teaches eighth-grade English, English 1 and reading intervention

She is also certified to teach pre-AP English and AP European history and oversees the high school Beta Club.

Jordan chose to teach English because it “only makes sense,” but she picked middle and high school because of the “eagerness and energy” students that age have.

Her student experiences and love for reading drew her to education at a young age.

“At five years old I erected a chalkboard on the kitchen floor, pointed a wooden spoon and demanded my brothers listen and learn,” she said in her portfolio.

She told the American Press that she owes specific thanks to her mom who taught her the importance of learning and “the group of ladies at the DeQuincy public library branch” who gave her plenty of love and encouragement.

In the same fashion, she gives her students the support and space they need to develop, and then relish in their accomplishments.

“I love when they recognize their own growth and especially when I can take that encouragement and help them to realize they truly can achieve great things.”

Her relationship with students is professional but rooted in care. She is diligent in her mission to be a model of professionalism and equity.

“Fair may look different for different students academically, but the students recognize and meet my high expectations for manners, behavior and conduct.”

Inside the walls of her classroom is an ecosystem that is encouraging, collaborative and hard at work. Jordan fosters an environment that promotes learning through love, respect and serenity, and giving each student one-on-one time.

“My class size is so small that I can easily give every single student my undivided attention at some point every day to help them with writing or encourage them in tough times.”

Her teaching style relies on modeling and scaffolding methods – the process of visually showing a student an example of a skill or concept and then providing support that slackens as the student becomes proficient and independent – with clear end goals. This lets her students feel safe enough to take academic risks that bring them to the next level.

With an efficient education, students can exceed expectations and carve out a successful life, she said.

“Education is the tool students use to break barriers and ceilings that others might have placed on their life,” she said. “Give your students love, but firmness, scaffolding but rigor, and repetition of key skills until they are the professional.”