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APT’s May 2026 Teacher of the Month: Celebrating Joyce Haven
After more than 30 years in education, Joyce Haven continues to remind us of what great teaching truly looks like: patience, heart, humility, and a genuine commitment to helping every child believe in themselves.
APT Teacher of the Month, April 2026: Janiya Gresham
Five years in, first-grade teacher Janiya Gresham continues to find motivation in the little wins. Gresham shares her experiences transitioning from kindergarten to 1st grade and the importance of strong relationships.
APT Teacher of the Month, March 2026: Kesha Lovejoy
Kesha Lovejoy is a resource teacher at Rainbow Elementary School in Huntsville. From social worker to the front lines of education, discover how her love-first approach has been transforming young lives for over 21 years.
APT Teacher of the Month, February 2026: Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson is a special education teacher at Greystone Elementary School, serving 3rd–5th grade students in a resource classroom setting. Above her classroom door hangs her favorite reminder: “Progress, not perfection.” It’s a message she wants every student to carry with them. Her funding will be used to help students better access learning and regulate emotions.
Jaclyn Foster Named APT’s January Teacher of the Month
Tuscaloosa Academy educator Jaclyn Foster is honored for 23 years of inspiring civic learning, building student voice, and using creative, inclusive teaching to help middle schoolers grow into confident citizens.
APT Teacher of the Month, December 2025: Shantorya Jones
Shantorya Jones teaches 5th-grade mathematics in Millbrook. With her APT Teacher of the Month award, she plans to purchase updated math manipulatives, interactive learning tools, and materials that support both enrichment and intervention. Learn how she is building strong relationships with her young "scholars."
APT Teacher of the Month, November 2025: Kristina Godsey
Kristina Godsey teaches Government, Economics and Spanish in Farfield. With her APT Teacher of the Month award, she plans to purchase Chromebooks and other basic supplies to improve engagement, access, and confidence. Learn how she's managed to light a fire in the hearts of her students again and again for the past 20 years.
APT Teacher of the Month, October 2025: Stacey Tatum
Stacey Tatum, 6th-grade science and social studies teacher, is taking her classroom outside. With her APT Teacher of the Month award, she plans to create a community garden for farm-to-table learning, while also feeding her community through fresh food donations. Learn more about Stacey Tatum's project and career.
APT Teacher of the Month, September 2025: Veronica Pitts
Veronica Pitts of Selma High School teaches 12th-grade Government and Economics and brings 12 years of experience to a classroom grounded in civic literacy, critical thinking, and advocacy. Her seniors come from diverse backgrounds, many juggling jobs or family responsibilities, and she meets them with purposeful, real-world learning that connects policy to everyday life.
APT Teacher of the Month, August 2025: Lori Nicole Holland
Lori started as a corrections officer. Now she's the Special Education teacher at Albertville Middle. One colleague shared how she organized a school-wide trick-or-treat event that doubled as a meaningful learning experience, helping her students develop communication and social skills. Lori is using her $1,000 APT grant to expand her life skills classroom.
Meet our May Teacher of the Month, Annette Scott!
Ms. Scott's "passion for teaching is contagious," wrote one nominator. Scott is an English Language Arts Teacher for grades 4-6 at Francis Marion School in Perry County. She is committed to inclusive learning, creativity, and student support. Beyond the classroom, she champions her students' strong character and hard work with unmatched compassion. Congrats, Ms. Scott!
Kindergarten teacher shares how she handles ADHD students, classroom motivation and more.
How Zeinab Azzam went from having an unexpected start in education to becoming a beloved teacher.
45 Years of Math Magic: Meet the Teacher Inspiring Generations
Barbara Jefferson has inspired students with her passion for math, mentorship, and curiosity, earning her the APT Excellence in Education 2025 award.
Meet Cullman High School’s Favorite Consumer Science Teacher
Our December 2024 Excellence in Education Award winner is Carin Rains! Mrs. Rains is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Cullman High School. Not only does she have 32 years as an educator, but her students say "she is one of the most helpful teachers Cullman has."
Meet Nichols-Lawson Middle’s School Librarian!
Meet our November 2024 Excellence in Education award winner! Cecelia Dean is the School Librarian at Nichols-Lawson Middle School in Sylacauga. One nominator praised her work with the after school program Alabama Virtual Institute, saying, "Her dedication and leadership provide students a space to feel valued, heard, and empowered to take on new challenges and adventures that can offer exciting paths in learning beyond the regular school day." Congrats, Cecelia!
Life After 50 Years in Education: How This Alabama Teacher Stays Inspired
Our October 2024 Excellence in Education Award winner is Betty Esslinger, an AP Literature teacher at Scottsboro High School! She is a committed, compassionate educator who has been serving her community for over 50 years. One nominee wrote, "She is a role model to all educators, students, and parents. Every community needs a Betty Esslinger."
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