Athens teacher finalist for state teacher of year
Apr. 30—Athens High School teacher Amanda Gudmundsson, one of four finalists for Alabama teacher of the year, changed career paths because of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on New York.
Because she lived right outside New York City at the time, she witnessed everything firsthand, she said.
Even though she is a fifth-generation educator, her path to the classroom was unexpected. Initially, she pursued a degree in higher education administration, but her career shifted following the events of Sept. 11. She decided to become a teacher after seeing the unity and the outpouring of selflessness the attack inspired.
Through teaching, she found a way to contribute to democracy and uphold the values of equality and civic responsibility, she said. She believes that with the right support, all students can succeed and make meaningful and impactful contributions to society.
Now the Athens High School teacher has been named one of the top four finalists for the 2025 — 26 Alabama Teacher of the Year award. Finalists for state teacher of the year include:
—Gudmundsson, Athens City Schools, secondary teacher of the year.
—Aubrey Bennett Birmingham City Schools, George Washington Carver High School, secondary teacher of the year.
—Katie Collins, Hoover City Schools, Bluff Park Elementary School, elementary teacher of the year.
—Katherine Thomas, Homewood City Schools, Edgewood Elementary School, elementary teacher of the year.
Gudmundsson, who teaches government, economics and history, was first selected by her peers as Athens High School's teacher of the year in September 2024. She was then honored as the Athens City Schools teacher of the year in November 2024. She became a state finalist after being selected from more than 150 educators across Alabama.
Gudmundsson also teaches dual-enrollment U.S. history courses at Calhoun Community College, as well as honors economics and American government.
In addition to her recent accolades, Gudmundsson was also named the 2025-26 high school teacher of the year by the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars for her efforts in promoting citizenship education and patriotism in the classroom.
She said caring for the students is the critical quality in being a good teacher.
"I think you have to have compassion and empathy and treat your student the way you would treat your own children," she said. "If you go with that you will come out with great results. It's more than a subject matter; I try to build them up."
Because the name Gudmundsson is so long, her students have dubbed her "Mrs. G" instead.
She was astonished upon being selected as a finalist for teacher of the year.
"I was completely shocked but honored," she said. "It is great to be acknowledged by students, colleagues and administrators."
She said she has been humbled by the selection.
"I never thought I'd get this far along in the process," she said. "I just care about students but I'm not doing anything anyone else isn't doing."
Still, she is honored to represent her colleagues, which is how she looks at it since she was nominated by them. She thanked her superintendent, Beth Patton, whom she says has been a classroom teacher herself and understands, and Willie Moore, her principal.
"They have been behind me all the way, my colleagues, too," she said.
Patton said Mrs. G's students and colleagues are rooting for her.
"This recognition not only reflects her commitment to excellence in the classroom but also the passion, innovation and heart she brings to our entire school community," Patton said. "We are honored to have such an inspiring educator among us."
On Friday, Gudmundsson will attend her final interview, and a winner will be chosen during a May 7 banquet in Montgomery, she said.
— jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361
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