Erath Middle’s Hebert named Middle School Teacher of the Year in Vermilion Parish

ERATH — During her first few years as a teacher, Joni Milliman Hebert held an admiration for educators who reached the highest levels of honor.
Hebert is now on that level.
Hebert, a 7th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Erath Middle School, is the Vermilion Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year.
“I was really in shock when they announced that I was Teacher of the Year,” Hebert said. “I always admired teachers who were chosen for this award, so it was a very humbling experience.”
One that is not reached without a high level of devotion.
“To be considered for such an honor,” Hebert said, “I think a teacher needs to be truly dedicated to his/her profession. I don’t think of teaching as a job; it is my vocation. Teaching is something I was born to do.
“Educators who put in the extra time and heart deserve to be considered for such an award.”
That line of thinking can certainly make a difference, which is the ultimate goal.
“The most important thing about being a teacher is making a difference,” Hebert said. “I strive to make a difference in every child, whether it is academically or making them become a better individual. One of my favorite teachers, Mizti Turner, once shared with me ‘The Starfish Story”’by Loren Eiseley. The inspirational message really stuck with me and helps me to reach out to my kids and try to make a difference.”
Hebert, a 2000 Erath High graduate, has been on that mission since 2006-07, when she began her career at J.H. Williams in Abbeville. She has also worked at Teche Elementary in St. Martin Parish, Forked Island E. Broussard and has served in her current role since ‘13.
“I enjoy being a BOBCAT!,” Hebert exclaimed. “Walking the halls and teaching in a classroom where I once learned is a pretty awesome feeling. I enjoy working with the incredible teachers at this school. The smiles, laughter and knowledge shared between the staff make EMS easy to work at.
“The students are a big plus also. I love watching them grow throughout the year and supporting them in their extra-curricular activities.”
Support is always there.
“The community of Erath is very supportive,” Hebert said. “I truly love the town that I grew up in and I am proud to be a teacher at Erath Middle School. As my brother once said, “It’s a great day to be a Bobcat!”
As fellow Erath Middle teacher Amber Viator explained, it’s great to have Hebert as a Bobcat educator.
“A true leader and an energetic, dedicated teacher who loves what she does,” Viator said. “Mrs. Hebert is a teacher who is hands-on, both in the classroom and out. She is a dynamic addition to our faculty.
“Her enthusiasm, love, and passion for teaching and her students, inspire and impact all those she comes in contact with each day.”