StM News

When Pam Brierre takes her students outside for one of her signature On-Campus Field Trips, the school grounds transform into a living laboratory. For the Pre-K through fourth grade students at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, science isn't just something found in a textbook; it is something they can plant, harvest, and even taste.

This innovative approach to education has earned Mrs. Brierre a prestigious honor: she has been named the 2026 Louisiana Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. The award is a significant milestone, marking the second time she has been recognized as the state’s top agricultural educator, having previously won the title in 2010.

Mrs. Brierre holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science and has been a cornerstone of St. Martin’s Lower School faculty for more than two decades. She has served the school for more than 22 years, consistently finding new ways to make complex science concepts tangible and memorable for young learners.

One of the standout features of her curriculum is a microgreens project that functions as a closed-loop agricultural system. Supported by a grant from Louisiana Ag in the Classroom, students grow 10 different types of edible seedlings, conducting experiments to determine the best balance of light and water.

The project goes far beyond gardening by teaching students about the circularity of nature. Once the microgreens are harvested, the leftover roots and soil aren't thrown away. Instead, they are fed to a colony of red wiggler worms that live in the science lab. These worms act as a recycling team, breaking down organic waste to create nutrient-rich compost. This hands-on partnership allows students to witness the cycle of life firsthand while learning about interdependence and sustainability.

The impact of this system reaches every corner of the Lower School. Pre-K students practice their prediction skills and taste-test the greens, while older students explore how specific animal parts help creatures thrive or manage the harvest of broccoli and radish greens. By recycling the leftover soil back into the worm bin, the students personally complete the agricultural cycle.

As the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Brierre will represent Louisiana at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference this summer in Providence, Rhode Island, where she will collaborate with leading educators from across the country. She will also be formally recognized at the upcoming Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention.

Mrs. Brierre’s dedication to using the campus of opportunity ensures that St. Martin’s Lower School students develop a love of thinking and learning through real-world application. Beyond the technical science, her deep love and appreciation of nature and her commitment to caring for it reflect the Episcopal value of creation care. Her work is a shining example of the school's commitment to academic excellence and the integration of Faith, Scholarship, and Service.

Congratulations, Mrs. Brierre!