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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

HOOVER – Kristin Bundren of Spain Park High School and Katherine Collins of Bluff Park Elementary School have been named the 2025-2026 Hoover City Schools District Teachers of the Year.

In a surprise announcement on Thursday, Dec. 12, HCS leaders visited both BPES and SPHS to personally celebrate the two educators and the contributions they’ve made to student success.

“We are so proud of our amazing teachers who go above and beyond to inspire and empower our students every day,” HCS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox said. “Honoring our Teachers of the Year is a way to celebrate their dedication and highlight the incredible impact they have on our students, schools and community. Our outstanding educators represent the heart of what makes Hoover City Schools so special. We are thankful for their hard work, passion and the lasting impression they leave on our students and families.

Bundren was named Hoover City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. She teaches ninth grade biology at SPHS and has been a dedicated instructor to the Hoover school system for 18 years. Bundren is a National Board Certified Teacher and is a recipient of the Presidential Award in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

“Bundren is passionate about making science accessible and engaging for all students,” read an official release from Hoover City Schools. “She emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration and hands-on experimentation in her classroom, encouraging students to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.”

According to HCS, Bundren is also committed to supporting the professional growth of her colleagues and actively mentors new teachers, leads professional development sessions at state and national levels and fosters a collaborative spirit at SPHS.

Collins was named Hoover City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. Collins is a first grade teacher at BPES where she has taught for eight years. Collins is a National Board Certified Teacher, a Google Classroom Educator and a Distinguished Modern Classroom Educator. She has certifications in English as a Second Language and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. Collins is fluent in French, and in addition to her classroom work, she has been selected to serve on several district committees and received multiple grants to support BPES and her classroom.

“With 20 years of experience, Collins brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for innovative, hands-on learning,” read a release from HCS. “Known for her project-based learning units, such as the Farmer’s Market initiative, she integrates multiple disciplines to create engaging lessons that inspire curiosity and real-world application. Her leadership has also secured significant grants, including funding for the school’s greenhouse, which further enhances students’ learning experiences.”

Both Collins and Bundren will go on to represent Hoover City Schools at the annual Alabama Teacher of the Year Competition. The awards ceremony will take place in May 2025.

“HCS congratulates them on this well-deserved recognition and wishes them luck as they continue in the statewide competition,” read a release from HCS.