Shoals Teacher of the Month (updated monthly, Aug. - May)
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Shoals Teacher of the Month
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Nominate Your Favorite Educator HERE
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CONGRATULATIONS!
Shoals Teacher of the Month
The Teacher of the Month awards go to ...
November
Middle / High School Award
Adam Herring
English & Theater, Colbert Heights High School
“After beginning his career as a football and basketball coach, Coach Herring gave up coaching several years ago to start the theater department. He has built the program from the ground up, and it is now one of the premier high school theater programs in the Shoals area. Through grants, Coach Herring has rebuilt the stage; purchased a new, state of the art sound and lighting system; and built a brand new sound booth. Our students are receiving an elite theater experience because of Coach Herring's work. Actors and actresses are pouring themselves into their characters and finding their voices on stage, sound and lighting crews are learning valuable skills, and the stage crew students are learning how valuable they can be behind the scenes. It is not hyperbole when I say that Coach Adam Herring is changing these kids lives. Students are finding a place to fit in, to be loved, to find community, and to be challenged. Coach Herring runs a tight ship and demands the best from his students, but every single one of them would say they are better because of Coach Adam Herring.”
Elementary School Award
Becky Staggs
Kindergarten, Covenant Christian
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“She has her students wanting to come to class and learn. I can’t imagine a better way to start a child on their academic journey.”
“She is a fantastic teacher! She loves all her kids, and she has done such a great job in her first year back as a teacher after homeschooling her own children for their entire schooling! We love her heart as well as her drive to make the kids the best they can be!”
“Her sweet demeanor and her soft spoken voice engages her students and allows them to want to try their best. Her little students absolutely adore her! This is her first year back in the classroom in quiet a while.... as you well know A LOT has changed in education since then and she has made it seem easy!"
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October
Middle / High School Award
Vanessa McCulloch
English, Florence High School
(nominated by 2024 Hibbett Middle School students and parents)
“She helped me improve my writing and she has high expectations for her class. Although she is hard on us sometimes, she also helped us grow our wings.”
“She is really hard on us and she has high expectations and wants us to be successful and she helped me improve my writing."
Elementary Award
Brandon Alldredge
Special Education, Brooks Elementary
“In one summer Brandon changed our lives. He had our son in his summer program at a time when we had decided homeschooling was our only option. He unknowingly made us realize there are wonderful teachers out there and our son has a place in school even though he has special needs. Our son has flourished since having Brandon and is continuing on an upward trajectory. Brandon is a true blessing. He is incredibly talented, kind, and patient. He chose his career to make a difference and he has absolutely succeeded.”
“Mr. Alldredge's commitment to his students goes beyond the classroom as he continuously strives to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and capable of success. His innovative teaching methods, personalized for each student's unique needs, have resulted in significant academic and personal growth among his students. Mr. Alldredge's positive rapport with students, parents, and colleagues reflects his professionalism, empathy, and genuine care for the well-being and progress of his students. His contributions to the field of special education and his outstanding impact on students' lives make him an exemplary choice for the Teacher of the Month award.”
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September
Middle / High School Award
Tonitia Butler
Spanish, Central High School
“Every school needs a "mamma." That teacher that sets the tone of the school. She is an advisor. She is an advocate. She is a mentor. She is a prayer warrior. Tonitia Butler is the "mamma" at Central High School. Her presence just brings a calming effect and a reassuring feeling that everything is going to be ok. She has faced so much adversity in her lifetime, but her attitude and faith never waiver. Her example to her coworkers and students helps create the loving atmosphere at Central High School. Mrs. Butler - thanks for being our "mamma.”
Elementary Award
Kathy Smith
Kindergarten, St. Joseph Catholic School
“She has a way of making every child feel special, important and loved and the children love her too.”
“As a parent of a student in her kindergarten class, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable dedication and commitment she brings to her role every day. Mrs. Smith embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, evident in the progress and achievements of her students. Beyond academics, she fosters a nurturing environment where each child feels valued and supported. One of Mrs. Smith's most admirable traits is her genuine love for the children in her care. She celebrates their successes with boundless enthusiasm, creating a sense of pride and accomplishment in each student. She is a pillar of strength during difficult times, providing comfort and support to children in moments of sorrow. Her passion, patience, and unwavering commitment to her students make her an invaluable asset to the SJS school community.“
“She is the best!”
