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Muscle Shoals honors eight district Teachers of the Year
Summary
The Muscle Shoals Board of Education recognized eight teachers from the Early Learning Center through the Career Academy as district Teachers of the Year during its January meeting.
The Muscle Shoals City Schools Board of Education recognized eight teachers as district Teachers of the Year during its January meeting, honoring educators from the Early Learning Center through the Muscle Shoals Career Academy.
The recognition, presented by Dr. Holden, superintendent, highlighted classroom instruction and long service across the district. The teachers were introduced with a highlight video and brief statements describing their teaching philosophies and motivations.
The teachers named were Megan Shirley, teacher of the Early Learning Center (pre-K; experience through grade 3); Leslie Marcus, Howell Graves Preschool (kindergarten; 15 years’ experience); Deidra Brewer, Highland Park Elementary (first- and second-grade librarian; district elementary Teacher of the Year; 20 years’ experience); Stephanie Ellis, Webster Elementary (first grade; 31-year career, 25 years at Webster); Rita Malone, McBride Elementary (fourth-grade English language arts; four years at McBride; five years as a paraprofessional); Candy Hester, Muscle Shoals Middle School (eighth-grade English; four years at MSMS); Jordan Crow, Muscle Shoals High School (AP literature, dual enrollment, English 12; nine years’ experience); and Kimberly Vaughn, Muscle Shoals Career Academy (finance/accounting pathway, grades 9–12; district secondary Teacher of the Year; 19-year career, 18 years in the district).
Several teachers offered short remarks that were read into the record. Megan Shirley said, "I love the relationships I get to build with the students and their families. Knowing that I can hopefully make a difference in their lives keeps me going each year as a teacher." Leslie Marcus urged aspiring teachers to "remember that the foundation of your success in the classroom lies in building strong relationships with your students and their families." Deidra Brewer said, "Be the spark that ignites a brighter future for all students. Keep learning, keep growing, and never stop loving your students." Stephanie Ellis said students "will give you their very best when they feel truly safe and valued." Rita Malone described teaching as a "calling" and said she aims to make students feel "safe, supported, and loved." Candy Hester said she most enjoys "helping students to know that they are loved and cared for, so they can reach their greatest potential." Jordan Crow called the work of connecting with students the most rewarding part of teaching. Kimberly Vaughn noted the reward of seeing students succeed in life and careers because of investments by teachers and staff.
Superintendent Dr. Holden told the audience the board spends time each January recognizing teachers of the year and said he had visited classrooms to observe instruction. Board members and attendees gave the honorees applause during the presentation.
The board did not take formal action on the recognitions; the segment was a ceremonial acknowledgment of district-selected honorees and concluded before the meeting moved to routine business.
