Permenter Teacher Provides Career Knowledge to Scholars  

Lashanda Landry teaches Career Education, formally known as General Employability Skills, to eighth graders at Permenter Middle School.

She wishes a similar program had been in place when she attended high school in southern Louisiana.

Landry is one of 11 finalists for Cedar Hill ISD STEM Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 20.

Landry graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Grambling State University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), located in northern Louisiana.

After working as a PEIMS/Data Specialist for a year in the Dallas area, she decided to make the switch to the classroom.

“I fell in love with the flow of education and helping scholars with their life choices,” said Landry, who has worked in education for 19 years.

In Career Education, Landry asks the scholars to answer mock interview questions, like ‘what can you bring to the table?’, ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses?’

“I have an opportunity to reach a large number of scholars who enjoy a love of learning,” Landry said. 

Last year, a fellow Career Education Teacher – Leslie Moore – won the inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Award. Moore was teaching at Bessie Coleman Middle School but is now at Cedar Hill High School.

Landry said it gives her hope that she can follow Moore’s lead and win the 2023 STEM Teacher of the Year.

“I feel very confident – I know the dedication and time I put into my lessons,” Landry said.

The parent of two Collegiate Prep Elementary Scholars, Landry also coaches basketball, track & field and volleyball at Permenter.

The STEM Teacher of the Year Award comes with a $10,000 prize - $5,000 for the classroom and $5,000 for personal use. Landry said she would use the $5,000 (campus) for innovative furniture and classroom space, and the $5,000 (personal) toward a car for her oldest daughter, who is a student at Grambling State.