Back to School Blitz: Meet Danielle Ladner, WXXV and Huntington Learning Center’s August Teacher of the Month

SAUCIER, Miss. (WXXV) — Our third and final day of WXXV and Huntington Learning Center’s Back to School Blitz has arrived, and we’re wrapping up a busy start to the school year by honoring one last outstanding educator!

August’s Teacher of the Month is Danielle Ladner, a third grade student teaching assistant and bus driver at Saucier Elementary School. Ladner has served in various roles in the classroom, including as an art teacher, first grade assistant, PE assistant and computer lab assistant.

Ladner is also currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree at William Carey University and is expected to graduate in May 2026. She’s maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average, all while being a wife, mom and faculty member.

She was nominated by her mother, Bonnie Mello, who remarked on her daughter’s determination to succeed, positivity and passion for others.

WXXV News 25’s Elizabeth Keen sat down with Ladner to discuss her teaching journey.