The Alabama State Department of Education recently honored educators across Alabama with the annual Thank Alabama Teachers Week. Children’s author Michael Murpurgo said, “It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” I couldn’t agree more, and I am grateful for all our teachers!
Our school and district 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year selection process has ended and I am pleased to recognize these individuals. The following elementary teachers were honored by their respective campuses: Mary Ann Drost, Eclectic Elementary; Megan Davis (5th/6th), Eclectic Middle; Kate Boyer, Holtville Elementary; Jasmine Oates (5th/6th), Holtville Middle; Jeanette Miller, Coosada Elementary; Emily Blietz, Airport Road Intermediate; Shantorya Jones (5th/6th), Millbrook Middle; Andrea Carol Carter, Redland Elementary; Courtney Davis (5th/6th), Redland Middle; Deborah Johnston, Wetumpka Elementary; and Athina Ryals (5th/6th), Wetumpka Middle.
The following secondary teachers were honored by their respective campuses: Candice Eason (7th/8th), Eclectic Middle; Leslie Hines, Elmore County High; J. D. Stark (7th/8th), Holtville Middle; Phillip Smart, Holtville High; Rebekah Babers (7th/8th), Millbrook Middle; Lea Berkstresser, Stanhope Elmore High; Leah McAlister (7th/8th), Redland Middle; Jessica Tapia (7th/8th), Wetumpka Middle; Christopher Robbins, Wetumpka High; D. J. Warren, Elmore County Technical Center; Kerry Puckett, The EDGE; and Kayla Ellis, ECAP.
The Elementary Teacher of the Year for the district is Courtney Davis, Redland Middle School, and the Secondary Teacher of the Year is Christopher Robbins, Wetumpka High School. Each school’s teacher of the year was selected by their peers and participated in a rigorous application process from which the elementary and secondary teachers of the year were chosen. The elementary and secondary teachers of the year will advance to the state teacher of the year selection process in this month and will serve their terms during the 2025-2026 school year.
In other news, we are now partnering with Auburn University to enhance our computer science interest through the Elmore Young Explorers (EYE) project. Teachers will receive training to be able to introduce robotics, work with devices, and provide activities to connect robotics to content standards. The goal of this project is to give 6th grade students the opportunity to learn computer science with hands-on activities. Through robotics and other STEM programs, students are learning essential, 21st century skills to equip them for the future.
Elmore County is blessed to have a wonderful, caring staff working with over 11,300 students every day. We consider it a privilege to teach and take care of our students, and we look forward to great things to come in 2025!
Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.