Caddo principal receives Milken Educator Award

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - A Caddo Parish principal was surprised with a national Milken Educator Award on Tuesday, March 15.

Marco French was recognized for transforming the academic performance at Queensborough Leadership Academy and creating a nurturing learning environment.

“They had me thinking I was doing something for literacy today,” the principal said.

Marco French’s Milken Educator Award profile

Lowell Milken, founder of the Milken Educator Awards, and Louisiana Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley presented French with the honor during an assembly attended by students, colleagues and state and local officials.

French is among more than 60 educators throughout the United States who will receive the award during the 2021-22 season.

“As a former teacher, content coach and instructional coordinator, Marco French understands learning and leadership from many angles,” Brumley said. “These experiences have clearly informed his work as principal. He is committed to the success of the Queensborough Leadership Academy community, where he continues to motivate students and staff and inspires the next generation of leaders.”

The award comes with a $25,000 cash prize that French can use however he chooses. He also will join a national network of more than 2,800 top teachers, principals and specialists. Honorees will attend a free Milken Educator Awards forum to network with other recipients and receive personalized coaching on ways to elevate their practice.

“Chancellor Marco French has achieved significant success by aligning every effort to developing, motivating and retaining effective educators,” Milken said. “Marco unifies his staff under a common vision for excellence and, in doing so, creates a collaborative, vibrant culture for all to excel.”

French, known as the “Bowtie Principal” at school, has been instrumental in transforming multiple underperforming campuses into state and nationally recognized schools. Queensborough earned an A in 2019 for student progress and was named an Outstanding School in Northwest Louisiana for top growth in ELA and math. In 2018-19, its students outperformed the district and state for overall growth, as well as for performance of students of color, those who are economically disadvantaged and students with disabilities.

“I’m looking to continue to move this school onward and upward position, and the sky is the limit for us. I want everyone to see that our students are great,” French said.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Grambling Stat University in 2009 and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University in 2015.

When asked what he would do with the award money, French had already decided.

“Spend it on my staff and students, as I always do.”

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