Symposium celebrates, challenges local educators

Central Louisiana educators heard from Brian Dassler, deputy chancellor of educator quality for the Florida Department of Education, about present and future progress in education here and the potential impact on local communities.

Dassler, who spent part of his career in New Orleans, was the featured speaker at the third annual Rapides Foundation Symposium.

"Louisiana, a state I once called home, has many reasons to be proud," Dassler said Wednesday, citing improved graduation rates and ACT scores, which will positively impact communities and the economy.

"That is about health," Dassler said. "That's why our state (Louisiana) should be proud."

"It's also why we (educators) must stay focused," he added.

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The Foundation's education partners, including superintendents, school administrators, school board members and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from the nine parishes served were invited to the symposium. Those include Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.

Dassler's presentation, titled "Keeping America's Public Schools Strong," challenged leaders in education to adopt a growth mindset when it comes to school administrators and teachers.

"Our pathway to improved health is through education, and our pathway to improved education is through teaching," Dassler said during his presentation.

In an earlier interview, Dassler said professional development opportunities, including ones the Rapides Foundation funds, promote that.

"The Rapides Foundation here in Central Louisiana is developing that habit of mind and habit of work among educators," he said.

The Rapides Foundation since 1994 has spent $45 million and approximately 40 percent of its funding on regional education grants and initiatives, according to Joe Rosier, president and CEO.

"It's central to our mission of health improvement," Rosier said.