From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE – HTHS Teacher Jennifer Coleman was chosen as one of sixteen outstanding educators selected as finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year, Trussville City Schools announced on Friday, April 7, 2023. Coleman represents District VII in the Secondary classification.
“Good luck to Ms. Coleman as these 16 outstanding educators are narrowed to the Final Top Four,” TCS stated.
The State of Alabama Department of Education announced the “State’s Sweet 16 Educators Being Recognized for Teaching Excellence” on Wednesday, April 5.
“Sixteen outstanding educators who personify excellence have been selected as finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year,” the State of Alabama Department of Education’s statement said. “Each excels in the classroom and inspires students through innovative instructional techniques. This year’s 16 state finalists have emerged from a highly professional group of more than 150 top educators who submitted their official applications for this state honor. The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program is one of our state’s oldest and most esteemed recognition programs.”
Alabama State Department of Education – 2023-2024 District Teachers of the Year
Maegan Gayle: Mobile County School System – Hutchens Elementary School, District I Elementary Teacher of the Year
Amanda Talantis: Gulf Shores City School System – Gulf Shores High School, District I Secondary Teacher of the Year
Logan Faith Rasmusson: Phenix City School System – Sherwood Elementary School, District II Elementary Teacher of the Year
Ansley A. Godwin: Ozark City School System – Carroll High School, District II Secondary Teacher of the Year
Jeffrey L. Norris: Shelby County School System – Oak Mountain Middle School, District III Elementary Teacher of the Year
Kevin Pughsley: Hoover City School System – Berry Middle School, District III Secondary Teacher of the Year
Dr. Allatesha Cain: Bessemer City Schools – Charles F. Hard Elementary School, District IV Elementary Teacher of the Year
Mychoal B. Woods: Birmingham City Schools – George Washington Carver High School, District IV Secondary Teacher of the Year
George Clausell, II: Macon County Schools – George Washington Carver Elementary School, District V Elementary Teacher of the Year
Jessica Roberson: Selma City Schools – Selma High School, District V Secondary Teacher of the Year
Lauren Murdoch Brascho: Pell City Schools – Coosa Valley Elementary School, District VI Elementary Teacher of the Year
Katie McGee: Cullman City Schools – Cullman Middle School, District VI Secondary Teacher of the Year
Kimberly Jared: Hartselle City Schools – Barkley Bridge Elementary School, District VII Elementary Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Coleman: Trussville City Schools – Hewitt-Trussville High School, District VII Secondary Teacher of the Year
Bonnie Howard: Madison City Schools – Madison Elementary School, District VIII Elementary Teacher of the Year
Nia Nicole Stivers: Jackson County Schools – North Jackson High School, District VIII Secondary Teacher of the Year
“Alabama’s Teacher of the Year serves as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession, in addition to presenting workshops to various groups.,” the statement said. “Alabama’s representative is also a candidate for National Teacher of the Year. This pool of outstanding educators will soon be narrowed down to the final Top Four. The 2023-2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced by the Alabama State Board of Education and Alabama State Department of Education in May.
Reflecting on his experiences as the 2022-2023 Alabama Teacher of the Year, Reggie White said, “One of the greatest achievements in my life is the honor of not only entering the teaching profession but also meeting students who would have an indelible impact on my life. It has truly been an honor to serve as our state’s 2022-2023 Alabama Teacher of the Year and inspiring others to see that nothing is impossible with great teachers! I celebrate the 16 finalists for accepting the call to teach and for modeling exceptional performance in the classroom. You are all Teachers of the Year.”