2026 Teacher of the Year

Last week, in the middle of my French III class, a camera crew walked into my classroom closely followed by members of my high school and county administration, and then my husband. They surprised me with the announcement that I have been selected as Mobile County’s 2026 High School Teacher of the Year.

I am grateful to have been nominated by my school and chosen by my county. I have had the privilege to work with so many outstanding teachers during my brief time here. Being singled out as a positive example among my peers is incredibly meaningful to me.

As teachers, we pour as much energy into our jobs and our students as we possibly can. Our work is critical in nurturing and guiding adolescents into who they will become as adults; so what does it really matter if there’s a little missed sleep here and there? a little extra stress over the student we know is capable of thriving? a little frustration and a few tears every so often? a little strain on our personal relationships when we have less and less to give of ourselves in our free time? a little trouble finding that ever-elusive work-life balance?

It often feels like giving everything we have will never be enough. We struggle to separate ourselves from our work and our students in order to flourish on our own. We care deeply for the success of our students and spend countless hours adjusting, differentiating, tweaking, rebuilding. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes the adjustments go into the list of things that didn’t quite work.

I know how much effort it takes to be a teacher. Any teacher. Every teacher. I want to acknowledge that many of our successes are unseen, our struggles unnoticed.

But I also want to remind educators who are struggling that you (we) are not alone. We are a community and we see each other. I have never felt so seen as when talking to another teacher about work. I have a PhD in Education and two Masters degrees, but what I’ve learned by talking with other teachers has proven invaluable in my teaching career. Other teachers have taught me how to approach a student in difficulty. How to adapt a lesson or a classroom management plan based on my current needs and those of my students. How to maintain my energy levels and avoid the ever-looming teacher burnout.

While it is validating to be seen by administration and acknowledged by the county, this award belongs as much to the community of educators who have shaped me as it does to me. I hope it serves as a reminder that the work we do together, seen or unseen, matters.