At The Meadows Elementary, Lorieann Marilla, a kindergarten teacher, brings heart, determination, and a passion for lifelong learning to her classroom each day. With four years in education and her first year serving DeSoto ISD, Ms. Marilla is already making a meaningful impact on students across campus by ensuring they feel valued, nurtured, and motivated to grow.
Marilla earned a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Her commitment to learning did not stop with her degree—she is continually seeking new knowledge and instructional strategies that benefit her students and enhance their learning experience.
The PRIDE value that most strongly guides Marilla’s work is Determination. She approaches every challenge with a give-it-your-all mindset and believes deeply in striving for success. “No matter what I am handed, I give it my all each and every time,” she shares. She loves to win, but even more than that, she loves seeing her students succeed. That determination drives her daily efforts in the classroom and fuels her commitment to continuous improvement.
Marilla’s personal “why” is rooted in family. Coming from a family of educators, she is especially inspired by her brother, who served as an educator for 22 years—many of them in DeSoto ISD—before passing away in 2021. His legacy continues to motivate her, and she carries his influence with her as she serves students each day.
As a proud product of DeSoto ISD and a 1999 graduate of DeSoto High School, returning to the district as an educator holds special meaning for Marilla. She is passionate about giving back to the district that helped shape her and is committed to making the same positive impact on today’s students that DeSoto ISD made on her life.
Supporting the whole child and whole adult is central to her approach. Marilla treats each student as if they were her own, meeting them where they are and pushing them to continue growing. As a mother, she understands the nurturing and care students need beyond academics and brings that mindset into her classroom every day.
The impact she is most proud of can be seen in the relationships she builds across the campus. While she teaches Kindergarten, she treasures the hugs and smiles she receives from students in every grade level. Through her interactions, she strives to show every child that they are important and that they always matter.
Marilla strives for excellence by actively seeking new learning opportunities and implementing what she learns to better serve her students. Her commitment to growth ensures that her instruction continues to evolve in meaningful and effective ways.
Professionally, Marilla is inspired by KJTMA Principal Yolanda Hanspard, who is a mentor. Being able to serve in the same district brings her great joy, and she credits Principal Hanspard’s encouragement for motivating her to return to school and complete her degree.
Outside the classroom, a fun fact about Marilla is that she is left-handed when writing, though most of her strength is in her right hand. Looking ahead, she is excited about the future of DeSoto ISD and the potential she sees in its students as they grow and thrive.
Through determination, heart, and a commitment to nurturing students, Lorieann Marilla is making a lasting difference for DeSoto ISD learners—starting from their very first years of school.