From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County Board of Education announced the Teachers of the Year.
Chalkville Elementary School Gifted Specialist Leah Singleton was named the Elementary Division Teacher of the Year. She has 17 years of teaching experience and five years in her current position.
“Ms. Singleton firmly believes that all students have the right to be appropriately challenged and to learn something new each day,” the school system said in a press release. “She is committed to building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. In her role as a Gifted Specialist, she strives to provide her students with meaningful, relevant lessons while developing their individual talents and providing support for their distinct social and emotional needs. She continually pushes her students to take risks, cope with perfectionism, and persevere through challenges.”
McAdory High School AP, Advanced and General Chemistry teacher Jacqueline Thomas-Edwards was named the school system’s Primary Teacher of the Year. Edwards began her career 16 years ago in Centreville.
“She began sharing her love for science in and outside of the classroom, so she created a science club, sponsored a Girls Engaged in Math and Science University (GEMS-U) program, and sponsored a Community and Schools Together (CAST) program for gardening and engineering,” the school system said. “Jacqueline is a National Board Certified Teacher who continuously learns by attending professional conferences, participating in workshops, and conducting research projects,” the system continued in a press release. “Jacqueline’s planning of various STEM virtual and in-person field trips is another way her students learn through real-world connections. Her love for science and education has allowed her to present lessons she has created with teachers from around the world at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference.”
A virtual celebration was held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, to announce the Teachers of the Year for Jefferson County Schools.
“We are extremely proud of both of these teachers. They set the standard for teaching in our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin. “These individuals make a difference in students’ lives every single day. They both personify what it means to be JEFCOED Strong.”
The winner in both the Elementary and Secondary divisions will now compete at the state level.