Vermilion’s academic ranking attracts new teachers

With a teacher shortage throughout the state, a certified teacher has his or her picking when it comes to selecting a parish to teach in. For 60-plus new Vermilion Parish teachers, many selected Vermilion over surrounding parishes because of its academics.
The new teachers of the parish had an in-service meeting Wednesday morning in the Charles Campbell Meeting Room at the Central Office.
The teachers were informed of the parish’s teaching policies, along with the do’s and don’t of the teachers, as well as the expectations of the teachers.
Some new teachers have as many as 20 years teaching experience in other parishes, while others were fresh out of college.
Gary Marriere, 48, has 17 years in education. He spent 14 in Austin, Texas and last year he was at the alternative school N.P. Moss Alternative School in Lafayette Parish. He also applied in Iberia Parish.
This year he is teaching special ed at Abbeville High and Erath High School.
Marriere selected Vermilion over Lafayette and Iberia parishes.
“I am in Vermilion for two things,” said Marriere. “I heard a lot of great things about Vermilion Parish. No one could say anything bad about Vermilion Parish.
“I also live in Maurice, so it is closer for me, and I wanted to go to a regular campus. N.P. Moss is an alternative school. I wanted to teach at a regular campus. I can reach more children. I am looking forward to it,” Marriere said.
Superintendent Jerome Puyau greeted the new teachers and welcomed them to the parish.
“I want to welcome ya’ll here,” said Puyau. “We are like a family in Vermilion Parish. We have some of the best schools in almost every area. We are number one in the Acadiana area and the top 10 percent in the entire state.”
Vermilion Parish also has the fourth best graduation rate in the state and ranks in the top 10 in ACT scores, Puyau added. He explained to the new teachers that Vermilion Parish supports its teachers and gives them the help they need.
Jared Robicheaux, 23, graduated from UL in education in December. He taught from January to May at Northside High School in Lafayette. He sent out his resume throughout Acadiana and decided on Abbeville High School to be its new social studies teacher. He had other job offers but liked Abbeville.
“Abbeville seemed like a good enviroment,” said Robicheaux. “I felt comfortable and I got along with everyone at the school.
“Plus, Vermilion Parish has a good track record in resent years. I am also here because of Vermilion Parish.”