09-04-2025
North Alabama educators among finalists for state Teacher of the Year award
ALABAMA (WHNT) – Of 155 educators across the state, 16 were chosen as finalists for the 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year award. Of those 16, five represent districts in North Alabama.
The 155 educators were nominated by district superintendents, principals, and colleagues to go through a rigorous application process.
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The Alabama State Department of Education chose the Sweet 16 finalists based on the positive difference they make in their students' lives, how they served as leaders in their schools and districts and their excellence in teaching and learning.
You can find a list of the five teachers who represent districts in North Alabama below:
Heather Oden PettitArab High School, Arab City School SystemDistrict VI Secondary Teacher of the Year
Deidra BrewerHighland Park and Webster Elementary Schools, Muscle Shoals City School SystemDistrict VII Elementary Teacher of the Year
Andrew Lee MillsFlorence Middle School, Florence City School SystemDistrict VII Secondary Teacher of the Year
Catherine Megan HockeyRainbow Elementary School, Madison City School SystemDistrict VIII Elementary Teacher of the Year
Amanda J. GudmundssonAthens High School, Athens City School SystemDistrict VIII Secondary Teacher of the Year
The teacher chosen for the award will spend the year serving as a full-time ambassador for both education and the teaching profession.
The Alabama TOY winner will also automatically become a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award. They will conduct workshops for various groups at both the local and national levels.
The winner will be announced in May.
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