Author: Emily Gautreaux

Louisiana Educators, Leaders Attend Jump Start Convention

According to the Louisiana Department of Education, on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, approximately 1,400 Louisiana educators and industry leaders convened at the 6th annual Jump Start Convention. The convention was held at the Raising Cane’s River Center with the theme “Modern Pathways to a Prosperous Future.” The attendees reflected on the progress of the state’s premier career and technical education program, built knowledge, shared resources, and strategized for the future.

Jump Start began in 2014 and is Louisiana’s innovative career and technical education program. This program prepares students to lead productive futures as adults who are capable of continuing their post-high school education while earning certifications in high wage careers. Students in this program are required to attain the necessary credentials that are aligned with more than 50 approved pathways in order to graduate with a career diploma.

Before the Jump Start program, less than two percent of students graduated with a career diploma. Now, over one in five students will graduate with a career diploma. The number of industry-based credentials earned by Louisiana students has increased from 17,885 in 2014 to over 90,000 in 2018.

“Jump Start has fundamentally changed the opportunities available to young people in Louisiana,” said State Superintendent John White, who deliveredthe event’s opening address at 7:40 a.m.“However, it remains the case that too often those credentials are not translating into full-time employment after high school, youth unemployment remains high, and many high school graduates do not have concrete plans for their future following graduation. This convention presents an opportunity for educators and industry leaders to come together to discuss how we can better prepare our students for lifelong success, and in turn, move Louisiana forward.”

At the convention, which was a day-long event, the attendees reflected on recent CTE gains. Among those 2019 highlights are:

  • “Local education and business leaders across the state partnered to expand the Jump Start Summers program, which enabled 1,942 students, including those with disabilities, to receive paid, on-the-job career and technical training during the summer months. Participating students earned an average stipend of $939 and 1,650 academic credits, 472 dual enrollment credit hours, and 2,223 industry-based credentials.”
  • “Louisiana approveda new Jump Start pathway to equip both college and career-bound high school students interested in pursuing a career in education with the knowledge and skills needed to find success upon graduation. The Pre-Educator Pathway includes a special progression of courses to help students develop a strong foundation of academic knowledge and skills, as well as an understanding of diverse learners and the learning environment.”
  • “Louisiana expanded opportunities for high school students to develop knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, to help them succeed following graduation, all while earning career credentials and transferable course credit to LSU and Xavier University. The four new Jump Start STEM pathways, available to both college and career-bound students, include Xavier University Pre-Pharmacy; LSU Biomedical Sciences; LSU Computing; and National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center, or NICERC, Cyber Security.”
  • “Quest for Success, an innovative course that allows middle and high school students to develop essential workplace skills, explore various careers and industry sectors, and learn about themselves and their interests in order to successfully navigate life after high school, was scaled statewide. The course, which will replace the Journey to Careers course, was designed by the 22 educators who participated in the Louisiana Educator Voice Fellowship.”

The attendees also looked into the future of CTE through reviewing the implementation plan for Jump Start 2.0, which is a five-year expansion of the current Jump Start program that will focus on reducing the stigma around career education.

 

For more education related information, click here.

Authentic Cajun Recipes with a Healthy Twist

Cajun food can easily be classified as one of the top foods in the world. Each dish is perfectly seasoned, flavorful, spicy, and hits the spot.  Authentic Cajun recipes can be hard to come by, especially if you don’t live in Cajun country. Luckily for you, Paleo Grubs put together a list of the best spicy and authentic Cajun recipes just for you!

Here are the top ten:

Crispy Cajun Chicken With Parsnip Puree

In this dish, the chicken is cooked with chicken fat which leaves it extra crispy and compact with Cajun seasonings, garlic, and coconut cream. Pair it with some mashed potatoes or swiss chard for a well rounded southern meal.

 Hearty Paleo Jambalaya

This paleo recipe packs in the best of Cajun flavors! It keeps the meat and veggies separate from the rice, and packs plenty of punch.

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya With Cauliflower Rice

What’s better than chicken and sausage jambalaya? You won’t even notice the cauliflower rice because you’ll be distracted by how delicious everything tastes!

 Cajun Chicken With Zoodles

This dish has the full Cajun experience – tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and chicken piled high with Cajun seasonings. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Cajun Garlic Shrimp Noodle Bowls

“SOOOOO good! my 2 year old daughter had 3 helpings and the pan was empty by the end of dinner! Seriously delicious! Made ours with salad shrimp so it was more kid friendly to eat.” – Sarah

One Pot Cajun Pasta

“This was my first shot at a one pot pasta meal and I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about how the pasta would taste. I am now a believer and will definitely be making this recipe again. It was deliciously different and so satisfying. Followed the recipe exactly and didn’t miss that extra step of cooking the pasta and having another pot to wash. Thank you Megan!” – Jane

Blackened Salmon With Mango-Avocado Salsa

“This. Was. Amazing. I’m going to make smoked salmon wraps this week and use the salsa recipe for that as well. Anyone who wants to follow in paleo form, go for the super-simple paleo naan bread here. Been a lifesaver and helps to make variations of all these amazing recipes! Thank you for sharing!” – Brittany

 Chicken Smoked Sausage Gumbo

“Thank you for sharing this! Being from NOLA, my gumbo recipe has been handed down from generations and is literally an all day event. While not gumbo, is an excellent stunt double! I subbed the carrots with okra and since I have the smaller pot, used two peppers and four tomatoes. Thanks for sharing this fabulous recipe!”

Spicy Shrimp and Kale With Creamy Rutabaga

“I love this take on shrimp and grits. I’ve been to NOLA and let me tell you, they know how to do it right, haha! I’ve had rutabaga before but I don’t really remember it – need to try it again. Can’t wait to try this recipe!” – Isabel

Easy Cajun Chicken

“This recipe is THE. BEST!! It is BEYOND easy. Toss the ingredients together, toss in the oven. Done and done! My kids love it. We’ve used it for game nights. We’ve cooked when company comes over. It is delicious and the chicken turns out so tender and juicy I ALMOST feel guilty. Thanks for making me look like a great cook!” – Leighellen

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

Five Outdoor Adventures to have in Louisiana

It’s no secret that Louisiana has a long and unique history that dates back to pre-America. Louisianans are known worldwide for their diversity, their love for their heritage, being home of Cajun culture, the birthplace of Creole food and jazz, and a state that knows how to celebrate. However, food isn’t the only thing Louisiana has to offer. With year-round warm weather and beautiful landscaping, Louisiana provides ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. You can find outdoor experiences anywhere – like New Orleans, in the Louisiana backwoods, or on the Gulf.

Here are just a few outdoor adventures to make sure you add to your Louisiana bucket list:

Paddling and Kayaking

More than 15% of Louisiana is covered with water – you have the Gulf Coast, swamps, bayous, marshes, and rivers. A great way to really dive into Louisiana’s aquatic ecosystems is through kayak, paddleboat, or canoe. In north Louisiana, you can glide along forests filler with hardwoods, cypress, and tupelo. To the south, there are more than seven water routes that snake through over 170,000 acres of protected wildlife. For a more urban experience, head to New Orleans and paddle in the waters of City Park or the Bayou of St. John.

Golfing

Love to golf? The Audubon Golf Trailhas 16 beautifully landscaped golf courses throughout Louisiana, including:

The Wetlands in Lafayette

Audubon Park in Uptown New Orleans

Santa Maria Golf Coursein Baton Rouge

Island Country Clubnear Plaquemine

Even better news? Regardless of the time of year you’re traveling to Louisiana, the year-round weather means you can golf almost any day of the year!

 Hiking

Although Louisiana is known for its wetlands and marshes, there are a variety of hiking trails for people who prefer to take in the sights by foot. Just a few minutes outside New Orleans are the Barataria Preserve trails in Jean Lafitte National Park, where you’ll find wooden platforms that keep you away from the alligators. Or you can head to North Louisiana to Driskill Mountain, a 1.9 mile trail through the forest. This trail will take you to the highest point of Louisiana, 535 feet above sea level. Near the Mississippi border is the Tunica Hills State Wildlife Management Area, where you can experience wildlife, waterfalls, and rugged terrain.

Swamp Tours

Ready to get a closer look at what’s living in the swamps? You can take a boat ride through Louisiana swamps to get a closeup of the state’s plants, wildlife, and swamp creatures like owls, turtles, alligators, and swimming pigs. Most tour guides will include Cajun food and local music for a more authentic experience. If you’re lucky, you might end up in true Cajun country that’s only accessible by boat.

Beaches

Beaches in Louisiana? There sure are! Get your relax on by heading to Mandeville, a drive that will take you over one of the longest over-water bridges in the world, and layout on the white-sand beaches of Fontainebleau State Park. About two hours south of New Orleans is the barrier island of Grand Isle, where you’ll find ten miles of coastline and sandy beaches bordering the Gulf of Mexico.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

The Best Family-Friendly Experiences in Hawaii

Hawaii is a location on almost everyone’s bucket list. Hiking volcanoes, snorkeling, and relaxing all day by the beach sounds like a dream!

For families, traveling can feel overwhelming and stressful, but the memories you will form are well worth it. Plus, it can help bring you out of your comfort zone and find the kid inyou.

Thankfully, there are tons of family-friendly activities on Hawaii’s islands that are perfect for kids and adults. From soaring through the air with ziplines to life under the sea, there’s a little something for everyone.

Travel and Leisure put together the perfect list of family-friendly experiences in Hawaii. Here are our favorites!

Underwater adventures

Atlantis Adventuresoffers submarine rides where you can dive 100 feet under the ocean in Wakiki and see where sharks, eels, and sea turtles call home. You can also see sunken ships, remnants of hurricane-swept airliners, pyramid structures, and other objects hiding under your nose!

Go back in history

Ever wondered why Hawaii was like in the early 20th century? You can experience the life of the island’s coffee growers at the Kona Coffee Living History Museum. You can stroll through coffee trees, visit original 1920s farmhouses, and sip some delicious coffee.

Learn about sea life

The Maui Ocean Center has five different species of sharks turtles. You can learn about Humpback whales inside their virtual whale encounter and the history and culture of early Hawaiian villages. They also have a new exhibit called Kaho‘olawe: A Story of History and Healing to raise further awareness of the culture, geography, history, and restoration of the island.

Go to a luau

Head to Old Lahaina Luau to feast on Pua’a Kalua, tuna poke, and chicken long rice at this celebration that has nearly 500 guests per week. Indulge in delicious desserts like guava cake and Hawaiian chocolate brownies, then learn about the area’s history through their performance.

Get going

Head to the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation on this 40-minute train ride. Relax inside one of their mahogany passenger cars and listen to the history of the plantation as you see more than 50 varieties of fruit trees and vegetable gardens, then hop off the train in time to feed the wild pigs, goats, and sheep.

 Admire the views

Take in the scenery of Hawaii’s coastline from Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks, known for it’s hiking trails, coastal views, and history. Diamond Head was formed 300,000 years ago during an explosive volcanic eruption. If you go in the winter, you might even spot humpback whales below!

Ride the Pineapple Express Train

Love pineapple? Then head to the Dole Plantation, which started as a fruit stand and has since grown into the experience it is today! Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Board the Pineapple Express Train for a 20-minute tour that discusses everything pineapple from Hawaii.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

St. Bernard Parish Teacher Finalist for National Teacher of the Year

On January 16, 2020, the Louisiana Department of Education announced Chris Dier is one of four finalists for the 2020 National Teacher of the Year award. Dier is currently Louisiana state’s current teacher of the year and teaches history at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish. Since 1989, Dier is the first Louisiana educator to become a finalist in this national competition.

State Superintendent, John White, says “Chris has spent his teaching career focused on equity, creatively and effectively bringing aspects of his students’ identity and culture to the forefront of their education. Louisiana is honored to have such a dynamic and deserving educator represent it on the national stage.”

Dier’s decision to become a teacher was inspired by his own mother, a lifelong teacher. He was in high school when Hurricane Katrina hit, which relocated him to Texas, where he finished his high school diploma. After high school, Dier continued his education at East Texas Baptist University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Once he completed his bachelor’s degree, Dier returned to his home parish to begin his career. Now a ten-year teaching veteran, Dier teaches world history and AP human geography at Chalmette High School in Chalmette. Before being named Louisiana State’s Teacher of the Year in July of 2019, he was voted St. Bernard Parish District-Wide Teacher of the Year twice.

St. Bernard Parish School District Superintendent Doris Voitier, inspired by Dier’s journey in public education, said “From an outstanding student to being recognized as one of the best educators in the nation, Chris really exemplifies all that is good in our school system,” she said. “His ability to connect with students from various backgrounds and abilities is a true testament to his compassion and professionalism.”

Dier continued his education at the University of New Orleans, where he obtained Master of Arts degrees in teaching and educational administration. He also participated in a program at Stanford University as a Hollyhock Fellow that brings educators together in an effort to create inclusivity in classrooms. While there, he developed an equity project with the purpose of legitimizing student language. Now, he is in a professional development program at Harvard Business School.

Dier has been featured in many publications and outlets for his work in both the community and classroom, such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation.

Dier also wrote the book “The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre: Blood in the Cane Fields”.

The other three finalists are educators from the states of Ohio, Montana, and Kansas. In the spring of 2020, one of the finalists will be named National Teacher of the Year by the 2020 National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. The winner of the title will spend the next year traveling the United States as an ambassador for education and as an advocate for teachers and students.

For more education related information, click here.

Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy to make dinner, this is the right recipe for you! These creamy honey mustard chicken thighs will make the perfect mid-week meal to grace your table. This recipe was created by Chris from Don’t Go Bacon My Heart and can easily be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it even more appealing.

Even better? You only need one 12 inch non-stick pan to make this recipe! That’s right – no extra dishes, nothing to marinate, no making the sauce in a different pan. Add a side of mashed potatoes or rice and a canned veggie, and dinner is ready to go!

Ready to get started? First, you’ll need to grab a 12-inch nonstick pan, a wooden spoon, tongs, a sharp knife, and a chopping board.

Then, you’ll need to grab these ingredients:

  • 6 chicken thighs(bone in, skin on)
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy/double cream (room temperature)
  • 5oz pancetta (or bacon)
  • 2 shallots,finely diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • Salt & black pepper

Now, add a drizzle of olive oil to a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin down and let fry until that side is crispy, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then flip. Turn heat to medium, season with salt and pepper again, and dry until thoroughly cooked through the center. Remove thighs from pan and drain excess fat.

(Cooking Tip: Keeping the skin on and bone in of the chicken thighs helps the meat cook more evenly because the bone heats the center, and also results in juicier meat.)

Add the pancetta or bacon to the pan and fry until it begins to brown. If there is extra fat, drain it, and then add the shallots and cook until soft. Next, add the garlic and cook for about a minute or until it starts to brown.

Then, add in the chicken stock, honey, cream, and both mustards, then stir to combine. Add the thyme and allow the sauce to simmer until it begins to become thick. Season with salt and pepper, then add chicken thighs back into the pan. Coat with the sauce, then serve!

Love the sauce? This recipe compliments pork well! If you choose to use pork chops, begin by pan-frying them, then basting in butter and herbs – similar to steak. You can find a similar recipe here.

Prefer to use chicken breasts? The prep for these takes a little longer, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. You’ll start out by marinating the breasts for at least 30 minutes in oil, lemon juice, and herbs. You can see the perfect recipe for this marinade here. You’ll also want to butterfly 2 large breasts, making 4 smaller breasts.

And that’s all! This recipe is perfect for school nights or busy nights when you need a quick meal for the family.

For more delicious recipes, click here.