Birmingham Schools Honor Top Educators

0:00From the streets of Birmingham to the world, this is Birmingham News today. Birmingham City Schools just named its top educators for the 2025-26 school year. Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan picked five standouts, Madison Abney as elementary teacher of the year from C.W. Hayes K.A.D. School, April Sibley as secondary teacher of the year from Ramsey I.B. High School, Samantha Bookman as elementary counselor of the year from RC. Himfill Elementary, Sonya Thompson as secondary counselor of the year also from Ramsey I.B. High and Tamra Ishmann as librarian of the year from Oxmore Valley Elementary. District leaders made surprise visits to four schools today to deliver the good news in person. This has become an annual tradition that catches everyone off guard and sparks big celebrations right there on campus. Educators and students lit up with joy during the announcements. Dr. Sullivan personally congratulated each winner, highlighting their hard work and impact on kids every day.

1:03The two teachers of the year now move on to compete for Alabama's top honors. Stay finalists usually get named around April each year. Birmingham has a strong track record with last year's alternate state winner from GW. Carver High and the prior year's top pick from Booker T. Washington K.A.D. These awards show the district's commitment to excellence. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode. Podcast hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com. Made in AI.