DOTHAN, Ala. – The 16 finalists for Alabama’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year were announced on Tuesday morning. A news release from the Alabama State Department of Education said the finalists were chosen from nearly 140 educators in 77 school districts across the state who applied for the honor.
Reflecting on his experiences as the most recent finalist, and Alabama’s current Teacher of the Year, Dr. Andrew Jackson said, “Congratulations to these highly skilled educators, who have been selected to represent their local school systems and our regional education districts. Each of these Alabama Teacher of the Year 16 Finalists truly demonstrate outstanding classroom leadership and are elevating our profession to new levels of success.”
The pool of candidates will be narrowed to the top four by a state-level committee. The 2021-22 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced in August.
Finalists at the elementary and secondary school level are named in each state board of education district.
The finalists are:
District I
- Julie Matranga Neidhardt, Mobile County Schools – Hutchens Elementary School
- Krista N. Marcum, Gulf Shores City Schools – Gulf Shores High School
District II
- Sherlita Gilchrist, Phenix City Schools – Phenix City Virtual Learning Academy
- Kimberly Johnson, Auburn City Schools – Auburn Junior High School
District III
- Allison C. Phelps, Homewood City Schools – Shades Cahaba Elementary School
- Pamela McClendon, Hoover City Schools – Riverchase Career Connection Center
District IV
- Sabrina Wright, Birmingham City Schools – Sun Valley Elementary School
- Leah Hughes, Tuscaloosa County Schools– Hillcrest High School
District V
- Catherine B. Jackson, Pike County Schools – Banks School
- Lilian U. Zekeri, Macon County Schools – Tuskegee Institute Middle School
District VI
- Megan Kreitlein, Pell City Schools – Eden Elementary School
- Mashell Wehn, Arab City Schools – Arab High School
District VII
- Rachel Graves, Florence City Schools – Weeden Elementary School
- Jeff Schrupp, Trussville City Schools – Hewitt-Trussville High School
District VIII
- Candilyn Renee Holt, Limestone County Schools – Elkmont School
- Kierstan Bell, Huntsville City Schools – Hampton Cove Middle School
Alabama’s Teacher of the Year serves as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession, and conducts workshops. Alabama’s Teacher of the Year becomes a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
