New Orleans Teachers Inspired by Post-Katrina School System Revival

Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Schools

• 🌪️ Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 20 years ago, destroying or badly damaging approximately 80% of school buildings.
• 🏠 Shantrell Dezme, a former student, lost her home and her high school, McDonald 35, was destroyed.

Rebuilding and Transformation of Education

• 🏫 McDonald 35 has since been rebuilt, inspiring Dezme to return as a teacher.
• 💡 Louisiana dismantled the traditional school system, creating the nation's first all-charter school district.

Improvements in Student Performance

• 📈 Patrick Dobard, former superintendent, highlights significant improvements in student outcomes.
• 🎓 The on-time graduation rate has increased from around 50% in 2005 to about 85% today.
• 🚫 The number of failing schools has dropped from 68% in 2005 to zero.

Former Students as Educators

• 🎶 Johnny Van Burn, a former graduate and current band director at Abramson Sci Academy, achieved his dream despite setbacks from Katrina.
• 🌟 Dezme's return to her alma mater as a teacher demonstrates a full-circle inspiration from the rebuilt school system.