The Senate Resolution commends Christine Bayard, a sixth-grade math teacher at Johnston-Hopkins Elementary School in New Iberia, Louisiana, for receiving the prestigious Milken Educator Award, often referred to as the "Oscars of Teaching." This national recognition not only highlights her innovative teaching methods but also comes with a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize. Ms. Bayard, an alumnus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has made significant contributions to her school, including founding a math club and serving as a mentor teacher. Her engaging teaching style incorporates real-world applications of math, such as lessons on space travel and construction projects, which have led to notable academic outcomes for her students.

The resolution emphasizes Ms. Bayard's commitment to a student-centered approach and her role in elevating the teaching profession. It acknowledges her participation in state and national educational initiatives, including her presentation at the 2023 national NIET conference. The Milken Educator Award recognizes up to seventy-five educators annually, and recipients will have the opportunity to network and develop mentorship roles at an upcoming forum in Los Angeles. The Senate expresses its pride in Ms. Bayard's achievements and contributions to education, and a copy of the resolution will be sent to her as a formal acknowledgment of her accomplishments.