CHS Teacher Named Top in the State

Christopher Dier, a teacher at Chalmette High School, was recently named the 2020 State Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Dier, who teaches World History and Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography at CHS, is an alumnus of St. Bernard Parish Public Schools and the son of a former St. Bernard teacher.  He said his connections to the district are strong. 

“Teaching at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard gives me the opportunity to teach in the community that raised me.  It’s one way of giving back to that community,” he said.

Superintendent Doris Voitier recognized Dier at the recent School District Kick-Off in front of over 900 of his colleagues.

“Chris has a true passion for connecting with all his students both inside the classroom or outside on the soccer field, and he has made the difference in countless students’ lives.”

Dier joins a long list of St. Bernard educators who have received state and national accolades.  Jennifer Maldonado was recognized last year as a Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist while Catherine Randall, Denise Pritchard, and Phyllis Diecidue are all recipients of the Milken Educator award – an elite national recognition for outstanding teaching and leadership.  Superintendent Doris Voitier has also been recognized in her leadership role, being named as the Louisiana Superintendent of the Year, a National Superintendent of the Year Finalist, and the recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

Voitier said the district takes pride in recruiting and developing educators.

“We need great teachers to connect and teach our students,” she said. “As a district that has been recognized for producing some of the best educators in the state and nation, Chris is a wonderful example of that.  I know he’ll do a tremendous job representing Louisiana in the national competition this upcoming year in sharing our message that all students can and will learn if you take the time to connect with them.”