Teacher of the Month
The Alabama Public Television Excellence in Education Award is a monthly recognition program for kindergarten through 12th Grade educators across the state of Alabama.
Carin Rains loves her job. “32 years,” she says, “and I love it just as much as I did the day I started. I truly love all of what I teach.”
Rains in the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Cullman High School. “Cullman has a small-town feel while still offering numerous community events attended by people from all over the United States,” Rains says.
Last year, Cullman ranked 3rd in a 2024 USA Today list of the best small-town cultural scenes, hosting a national music festival and a state-wide Christmas attraction—to name a few. But the best part of her job isn’t the location. It’s the relationships she’s built with her colleagues and students.
Learn more about Carin Rains' day-to-day below.
How did you get started in education?
My father and grandfather both taught for over 40 years. My mother is also a retired teacher. My sisters both teach as does one brother-in-law and my husband. I guess, you could say it is a family thing.
What’s the most important purpose a teacher performs?
I care for and connect with my students to make learning meaningful. My grandfather's motto that I still use today is, “Be firm, fair, and friendly.”
What is your approach to teaching students?
Constantly evolving lessons and re-evaluating what I do to stay relevant.
Do you see similarities between APT’s mission and your own?
I like to create innovative ways to teach my subject matter so that they make real-life connections they can take home with them to teach others.
What inspires you?
My subject matter inspires me. My students choose to take my classes and all the things I love outside of school are also the things I get to teach them.
How do you encourage student curiosity?
I offer a myriad of courses for my students and within those, I create various hands-on activities that fit different learning styles.
What do you do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my family, paint, sew, cook, and search for new recipes for home and for school.
How do you cultivate curiosity in yourself?
I don’t have to cultivate it. I love my subject matter and all the things I love to do outside of school are the very things I get to teach my students. And I get to instill my love of it in them.
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Each recipient will receive $500 to be used for professional development, classroom materials, supplies, visiting experts, field trips or other resources, products, events, etc. that directly impacts the success of students and the promotion of learning.
"As a former classroom teacher, I understand the challenges that teachers face on a daily basis," says Dr. Briana Morton, Vice President of Educational Services. "Alabama has so many incredible classroom teachers and I am thrilled to showcase teachers who have inspired, engaged, and demonstrated innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The Excellence in Education award is just one way that Alabama Public Television can highlight these exceptional educators and inspire current and future educators across our state."
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