Louisiana’s Teacher of the Year says curiosity may be one of the most powerful learning tools in education today. Regina Hartley Beard, a fifth-grade science and sixth-grade STEM and robotics teacher in the Zachary Community School District, recently shared how hands-on learning is helping students think deeper and engage more in the classroom.
Hartley Beard, who has taught for 22 years, said earning Louisiana Teacher of the Year has opened new opportunities. The honor allowed her to work with statewide education groups, including advisory committees focused on improving education in Louisiana.
While she teaches traditional science lessons, robotics plays a major role in her classroom. Students use technology and real-world problem solving to understand concepts that once relied heavily on memorization.
For example, students study the brightness of stars using robots equipped with light sensors. The activity allows students to collect data and determine which stars appear closer or farther away based on light intensity.
Hartley Beard said science education has changed dramatically since she entered the classroom two decades ago.
Years ago, students often memorized information for tests and quickly forgot it. Today, classrooms focus more on critical thinking, exploration and applying concepts to real-world situations.
She believes STEM education gives students opportunities to ask questions and discover answers independently.
“I love when students come back and say they noticed something outside the classroom and wanted to learn more,” Hartley Beard said during the interview.
The educator also praised statewide efforts aimed at improving classroom environments. She pointed to fewer distractions, including reduced cell phone use during school, as one positive shift helping students focus and connect socially.
Hartley Beard said collaboration among teachers remains critical. She encourages educators to share ideas and strategies so successful teaching methods can benefit students across Louisiana.
Her message remains simple: big ideas begin with curiosity.