NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina reshaped education in New Orleans, leading to the establishment of the first and only all-charter school district in the United States. In anticipation of the storm's anniversary, The Associated Press engaged with three individuals whose lives were impacted by Katrina, asking them to share their experiences as students or teachers during that tumultuous time.

The accounts reveal how connections with educators during the crisis inspired some survivors to pursue careers in teaching. Their stories provide valuable insights and lessons for educators facing similar challenges in the wake of natural disasters today.

A storm evacuee found caring teachers in Texas

1. Chris Dier, who is now a history teacher at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, was beginning his senior year in Chalmette when Katrina struck. After evacuating to a hotel, he relocated to a shelter for survivors in Texas.

He recalls waking up to his Aunt Tina's urgent knock on the hotel door, where she conveyed the devastating news: "There are hundreds of bodies everywhere," and "the levees broke." This moment marked a critical turning point in his life. He was taken in by an elderly couple at the shelter who offered their trailer, where he would live for the remainder of the year while finishing high school at Henderson High School.

Chris was deeply influenced by the compassion of his teachers during this crisis. He remembers Coach Propes, who provided soccer cleats, and Mrs. Rains, who ensured their classrooms were well-stocked with supplies. He also mentions Mr. McGinnis, who tutored him in chemistry during the early hours. These educators made him feel welcomed and part of a community, rather than just a statistic.

Initially resistant to becoming a teacher, Chris’s perspective shifted dramatically due to Katrina. He draws parallels between that experience and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing that both circumstances left students grappling with uncertainty. He even wrote an open letter to graduating seniors, offering guidance and support as they navigated the loss of their senior year.

A new school left a student missing New Orleans’ love and attention

2. Jahquille Ross, now an elementary school teacher and principal, was an eighth grader at Edna Karr Magnet School when the storm hit. After evacuation, he found himself on a long, uncertain journey to Alexandria, where he stayed with family.

Watching the catastrophic coverage of New Orleans' destruction on television was devastating for Jahquille. He felt a sense of dislocation and hunger, unsure of how long they would remain away from home. In the ensuing months, he attended several schools but struggled to adjust, unable to replicate the sense of community he had known in New Orleans.

After returning to New Orleans in March or April, he felt a profound relief to be back among friends and family. The experience shifted his aspirations; he initially didn’t plan on becoming an educator. However, the supportive teachers he encountered after his mother's passing became pivotal in his life, motivating him to pursue a career in education. Jahquille decided to teach elementary education, aspiring to provide young students with representation in the form of a Black male teacher.

Flooding wiped out schools – and memories

3. Michelle Garnett, a veteran educator who taught in New Orleans for over 33 years, was at Parkview Elementary when Katrina struck and had to evacuate to Baton Rouge.

Returning to her destroyed school was a heart-wrenching experience. She reflects on the personal losses she endured, including cherished family keepsakes. Her school was left in shambles, with nothing being salvaged. Yet, amidst the chaos, family provided strength, as they all gathered for support at her daughter’s house.

Michelle’s journey to teaching was born from necessity. After losing her daughter to muscular dystrophy, she was hired as a classroom aide for her child, which sparked her passion for education. She ultimately realized teaching was her true calling, leading her to find fulfillment in the profession she embraced.

The narratives of Chris, Jahquille, and Michelle illustrate the lasting impact of Hurricane Katrina on education and personal lives in New Orleans. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience and the critical role educators play in their students' lives during times of crisis.