Alabama Public Television’s Teacher of the Month is a teacher‑impact and recognition award. Each month, we award an Alabama K–12 educator a $1,000 prize alongside the honor of the award.
Finalists are selected through a combination of heartfelt community nominations and teacher‑submitted classroom impact plans. The focus is on funding projects with clear goals and measurable improvements in student learning.
May 2026
May 2026 Teacher of the Month
Saint James School
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.
April 2026
April 2026 Teacher of the Month
U.W. Clemon Elementary
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.
March 2026
March 2026 Teacher of the Month
Rainbow Elementary School
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.
February 2026
February 2026 Teacher of the Month
Greystone Elementary School
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.
January 2026
January 2026 Teacher of the Month
Tuscaloosa Academy
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.
December 2025
December 2025 Teacher of the Month
Millbrook Middle School
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."
November 2025
November 2025 Teacher of the Month
Fairfield High Preparatory School
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.
October 2025
October 2025 Teacher of the Month
Elberta Elementary School
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.
September 2025
September 2025 Teacher of the Month
Selma High School
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.
August 2025
August 2025 Teacher of the Month
Albertville Middle School
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.
May 2025
May 2025 Teacher of the Month
Francis Marion School
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!
April 2025
April 2025 Teacher of the Month
Union Springs Elementary
Mr. Cornelius Andrews at Union Springs Elementary of Bullock County Schools is our April Teacher of the Month! Mr. Andrews is a 3rd grade math teacher with an exceptional passion for teaching that extends beyond the classroom. "Mr. Andrews has brought a new culture to our school with his various initiatives," one colleague said. "He hosts the Multiplication Bowl, where students compete in an engaging, supportive environment that includes the entire community. He is also the choir director, Beta Club sponsor, and Science Fair and Spelling Bee chairperson. His dedication is unmatched."
March 2025
March 2025 Teacher of the Month
Sparkman High School
Scott Coonfare, a science and engineering teacher at Sparkman High School, is our March Teacher of the Month! Mr. Coonfare is beloved by students and colleagues alike for his passion, creativity, and dedication to making science and engineering accessible. A colleague said, "Mr. Coonfare is dedicated to the education of our students and consistently goes above and beyond to inspire them. He incorporates fun with learning, and I have yet to meet a student who doesn’t love him."
February 2025
February 2025 Teacher of the Month
Islamic Academy of Alabama
Congratulations to kindergarten teacher Mrs. Zeinab Azzam! One parent's nomination beautifully captures Azzam's dedication and impact: "Mrs. Azzam provides a nurturing learning environment tailored to each child’s needs. She incorporates PBS Kids into her lessons, which her students love, and goes above and beyond to support them…Her care, positivity, and innovative teaching have transformed my son’s attitude about school."
January 2025
January 2025 Teacher of the Month
Baldwin Art and Academics Magnet School
One of Barbara Jefferson’s nominations states: “Mrs. Jefferson (Mrs. J. to everyone here) is one of the most kind, caring, and selfless people I have ever met.” Mrs. Jefferson is a math teacher at Baldwin Art and Academics Magnet School in Montgomery, AL. She brings math to life for her students, and we're delighted to kick off our APT Excellence in Education 2025 award year with her.
December 2024
December 2024 Teacher of the Month
Cullman High School
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."
November 2024
November 2024 Teacher of the Month
Nichols-Lawson Middle School
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!
October 2024
October 2024 Teacher of the Month
Scottsboro High School
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."
September 2024
September 2024 Teacher of the Month
St. Mary’s Catholic School
We are thrilled to announce Carey Arensberg is our September Excellence in Education Award winner. Arensberg is a popular teacher with an amazing trauma-informed perspective. She currently works at St. Mary's Catholic School in Mobile, Alabama.
August 2024
August 2024 Teacher of the Month
Blount County Learning Center
Mrs. Jodi Johnson is our August Excellence in Education recipient! She is a teacher at Blount County Learning Center in Cleveland. She was nominated by her children. In the submission, they wrote, "Growing up my sister and I always saw kids that hugged my mom and told her how much she meant to them. No matter where we went she was always being stopped and told how she was their favorite. But what my sister and I remember is how she always knew the kid no matter how much time had [gone] by." Congrats, Jodi!
April 2024
April 2024 Teacher of the Month
Stanhope Elmore High School
Ms. Paschal is a passionate history teacher at Stanhope Elmore High School and our April Excellence in Education recipient! One of her most impactful initiatives is Alabama History Day, which encourages students to engage and examine the past in unique ways. “In the process, her students become documentary film makers and playwrights, web site developers and exhibit designers,” one nominee said. Congrats, Kathy!
March 2024
March 2024 Teacher of the Month
Ellwood Christian Academy
Bernice Lewis is our March Excellence in Education recipient! Ms. Lewis has been educating students for over 60 years, including her current school director at Ellwood Christian Academy in Selma, Alabama. While technically retired, Lewis continues to teach math and inspire her colleagues. As the first to arrive on campus or as the top school fundraiser, Lewis has never failed to expect great things from her students or herself.
February 2024
February 2024 Teacher of the Month
Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover
Ashley Caffey is our February Excellence in Education award winner! Mrs. Caffey is an Exceptional Education teacher in Hoover, creating innovative activities for her students. She is known for her ability to connect with students and families in unique and meaningful ways, both inside and outside the classroom. One nominator described her as a “kind, generous heart, never showing defeat when things are tough.” Congratulations, Ashley!
January 2024
January 2024 Teacher of the Month
Highlands Elementary
We’re proud to announce Victoria Hogan is our January Excellence in Education award recipient! Mrs. Hogan is a kindergarten teacher at Highlands Elementary in Dothan, Alabama. One parent said in their nomination, “Mrs. Hogan builds her kids up and reminds them of their worth while teaching them to find the good in others.” She goes above and beyond for her students, adapting lessons and creating special moments in an otherwise ordinary day.
December 2023
December 2023 Teacher of the Month
Phillips High School
We’re proud to announce Chris Farris is our December Excellence in Education award recipient! Mr. Farris is typically a 10-12th grade English/Language Arts teacher, but this year he’s expanded, teaching 8th grade students as well. He believes in his school and is always working to push his students to great heights through education and the arts.
November 2023
November 2023 Teacher of the Month
Pell City High School
Congratulations! Melissa Lewis is our November Excellence in Education award recipient. While she’s new to Pell City, she’s found the community to be very supportive. After over 20 years of experience teaching the sciences in public and private schools, Melissa is currently a biology teacher at Pell City High School.
October 2023
October 2023 Teacher of the Month
Jacksonville High School
Congratulations to Theresa Shadrix, our October 2023 Excellence in Education award recipient. Her students at Jacksonville High School nominated her for this award. Shadrix, an English Language Arts and Creative Writing teacher with 12 years of experience, runs the social media handles for her high school with help from her student media team, Golden Eagle Media (GEM).
September 2023
September 2023 Teacher of the Month
Charles Hard Elementary
We are thrilled to announce that kindergarten teacher and 2023 Riley Scholar Willie Davis is the September recipient of the APT Excellence in Education award! Mr. Davis is a passionate, life-long learner with 11 years of K-12 teaching experience. Currently, he teaches at Charles Hard Elementary School in Bessemer, Alabama.
August 2023
August 2023 Teacher of the Month
Daphne Middle School
Susan Norrell is the inaugural recipient for the APT Excellence in Education award! Ms. Norrell is a gifted teacher at Daphne Middle School with 15 years of experience. She is enthusiastic about enhancing lessons and encouraging fellow educators to innovate. We were excited to hear that Ms. Norrell actively uses APT and PBS LearningMedia resources in her classroom as well!
Subscribe to our Education Newsletter
Stay in the loop by signing up for the APT Education monthly newsletter. Get all the latest news, parenting tips and educational resources for FREE!
Unsubscribe easily anytime.
Join 80,000 APT Viewers and sign up for our award winning newsletter sent every Thursday.
Unsubscribe easily anytime.
Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of Alabama citizens and is made possible through the support of the State of Alabama and viewers like you. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
Follow Us