Muscle Shoals City Schools names district and school teachers of the year

Muscle Shoals City Schools announced its teachers of the year for each school and named district-level winners; the date of the announcement was not specified in the transcript.

The district recognized eight educators across its schools and programs. Each honoree gave a short statement emphasizing relationships with students and families, student wellbeing, or the rewards of seeing students succeed.

Megan Shirley, teacher of the year for the Muscle Shoals Early Learning Center, teaches pre-kindergarten and has experience teaching kindergarten through third grade. "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," Shirley said.

Leslie Marcus, teacher of the year for Howell Graves Preschool, has 15 years of teaching experience and has taught kindergarten at Howell Graves for three years. Marcus advised aspiring teachers to "remember that the foundation of your success in the classroom lies in building strong relationships with your students and their families...always be willing to do whatever it takes to help them succeed." She also urged new teachers to "lean on your coworkers, families, and even your students" and called teaching "a village" effort.

Deidra Brewer, Highland Park Elementary librarian and the district's elementary teacher of the year, serves as librarian for first and second grades at Highland Park and Webster. Brewer, an educator for 20 years, said, "Be the spark that ignites a brighter future for all students. Keep learning, keep growing, and never stop loving your students."

Stephanie Ellis, Webster Elementary teacher of the year, teaches first grade and has worked at Webster for 25 years in a 31-year career. Ellis said, "Students will give you their very best when they feel truly safe and valued. Treating students with kindness and compassion helps create a positive classroom climate where they can thrive. Most importantly, I've learned to cherish the small joyful moments..."

Rita Malone, teacher of the year at McBride Elementary, teaches fourth-grade English language arts. Malone has five years of classroom teaching experience and previously worked five years as a paraprofessional. "Teaching is not just a profession. It's a calling," Malone said. "...every single day I have the chance to make a difference in my students' lives...I can ensure that during the hours they are with me, they feel safe, supported, and loved."

Candy Hester, teacher of the year for Muscle Shoals Middle School, teaches eighth-grade English and has six years of teaching experience. "What I love most about teaching is helping students to know that they are loved and cared for so they can reach their greatest potential," Hester said.

Jordan Crow, Muscle Shoals High School teacher of the year, teaches AP literature, dual enrollment and English 12. Crow is in her fourth year at the high school and has nine years of teaching experience. "What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to make meaningful connections with my students and help them enjoy learning...There's nothing more rewarding than watching a student grow in confidence and succeed knowing I played a small part in their journey," Crow said.

Kimberly Vaughn, teacher of the year for Muscle Shoals Career Academy and the district's secondary teacher of the year, teaches the finance and accounting pathway for grades 9–12. Vaughn has 19 years of experience, 18 of those with Muscle Shoals City Schools. "The greatest reward as a teacher is seeing students succeed in their life and careers," she said, noting the long-term impact of investments by teachers, administrators and staff.

No motions, votes or formal board actions were recorded in the transcript excerpt; the agenda item was a recognition of staff. The announcement focused on honoring individual teachers and sharing brief remarks on teaching and student relationships.