Sheila Talamo

Coordinator of School Services and Director of Louisiana BOLD

stalamo@niet.org

Sheila Talamo coordinates a variety of NIET support and training services provided to district and school partners. She also oversees the Louisiana BOLD federal grant partnerships.

Prior to her work at NIET, Sheila served as the executive director of Louisiana TAP, Louisiana Department of Education assistant superintendent for the Office of Quality Educators, director of the Division of Teacher Certification and Preparation, and the director of the Louisiana Center for Educational Technology.

She has over 40 years of experience in K-12 education, including her career as a secondary mathematics and computer science teacher, high school principal, and state mathematics coordinator for the Louisiana Systemic Initiatives Program. Sheila received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education from Louisiana State University and a master's degree in supervision and administration from Nicholls State University.

Sheila Talamo

Why are you passionate about working at NIET?

I have always believed that teaching is a noble and important profession—teaching is part of who I am. I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of an organization that acknowledges the value of teachers and enhances the entire teaching profession. My passion for our work is grounded in the belief that teachers are worthy of our efforts and that teachers can make a difference for so many children and young adults.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

My favorite subject in school was math. For whatever reason, I enjoyed the structure of mathematics, its sequential nature, the clarity of expression that can be found in math—and it was something that I did well. But it was also probably my favorite because of the two high school math teachers that I had. They were bright, energetic, caring, and ready to teach us. I enjoyed being in their classes. They motivated me to do more and do better. They likely inspired me to become a math teacher.