Alabama Public Television - Teacher of the Month

May 2025

Annette Scott

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: "As chair of our school’s Awards Day, Ms. Scott has created new ways to highlight students who may not receive traditional academic honors but demonstrate strong character and hard work. She also became a foster parent for a former student in need of a stable home. Her compassion for students is unmatched." Congrats, Ms. Scott!

April 2025

Cornelius Andrews

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

Scott Coonfare

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

Zeinab Azzam

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

Barbara Jefferson

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

Carin Rains

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

Cecelia Dean

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

Betty Esslinger

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

Carey Arensberg

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

Jodi Johnson

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

Kathy Paschal

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

Bernice Lewis

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

Ashley Caffey

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

Victoria Hogan

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

Chris Farris

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

Melissa Lewis

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

Theresa Shadrix

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

Willie Davis

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

Susan Norrell

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!

Teacher of the Month

The Alabama Public Television Excellence in Education Award is a monthly recognition program for kindergarten through 12^th Grade educators across the state of Alabama.

Annette Scott

Cornelius Andrews

Scott Coonfare

Zeinab Azzam

Barbara Jefferson

Carin Rains

Cecelia Dean

Betty Esslinger

Carey Arensberg

Jodi Johnson

Kathy Paschal

Bernice Lewis

Ashley Caffey

Victoria Hogan

Chris Farris

Melissa Lewis

Theresa Shadrix

Willie Davis

Susan Norrell

Nominate An Extraordinary Teacher

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