By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham City Schools has announced the Teacher and Support Person of the Year award winners for the 2024 school year.

A total of nine teachers and support staff were recognized by Pelham City Schools, and Nicole Knight, director of communications for PCS, gave background on the history of the awards.

“The Teacher and Support Person of the Year awards in Pelham City Schools were established to recognize and celebrate educators and staff who go above and beyond to inspire and empower our students to achieve personal success,” Knight said. “This annual tradition highlights one teacher and one support staff member from each school, shining a light on their efforts and the important role they play in shaping our culture, building meaningful relationships and making a lasting impact through their work.”

The selection process for Teacher of the Year begins with school staff nominating five candidates, who then submit a resume and respond to a writing prompt reflecting on teaching. A school-level selection committee then selects one nominee to represent the school. Each school’s Teacher of the Year then completes an application for the Alabama Teacher of the Year competition, which is reviewed by a district committee. The district committee then selects one teacher as District Elementary Teacher of the Year and one teacher as District Secondary Teacher of the Year. These teachers will be the district’s representatives for the Alabama Teacher of the Year.

The selection for Support Person of the Year is less detailed, according to Knight.

“The Support Person of the Year is selected through a process where school staff nominate one individual to represent the school,” Knight said.

Pelham Oaks Elementary, Pelham Ridge Elementary, Pelham Park Middle School and Pelham High School each recognized various teachers and support staff in this year’s installment of the awards.

Jackson Vaughan, a music teacher, and Maria Guzman, a support staffer, were the honorees from Pelham Oaks Elementary. Chase Holden, the principal of Pelham Oaks, gave remarks on what makes Vaughan stand out as a teacher.

“He has a passion for music education that is second to none,” Holden said. “He provides and encourages students to pursue additional musical opportunities outside of the normal school day. The music programs he prepares for our students are always impressive.”

Vaughan gave his thoughts on being selected for the prestigious award.

“It has been an incredible surprise and honor to be selected,” Vaughan said. “It is so great to work in a school that invests in its arts educators and works to provide each student with a music education.”

Pelham Ridge Elementary recognized Jordan Salter as Teacher of the Year and Tiffany Grimes as Support Person of the Year. Khaddir Jones, principal of Pelham Ridge, gave remarks on both Salter and Grimes.

“Jordan Salter is the schoolwide counselor and has been with Pelham Ridge since 2018,” Jones said. “She provides social skills lessons such as making friends/being a friend, bullying and conflict resolution. Mrs. Salter creates an environment where students feel safe to speak to her about anything. Her passion for kids is evident and notable, especially by her colleagues. She brings light to our school and we are honored she is here.”

Trey Clark was honored as Pelham Park Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, while Anita Britt was honored as the school’s Support Person of the Year. Ryan Kendall, the school’s principal, gave a statement on both honorees.

“Trey Clark is one of our special education teachers,” Kendall said. “He is in his second year at PPMS. He also coaches multiple sports and is our head basketball coach. Trey exemplifies the Pelham Way. His patience and unwavering dedication to always working in the best interests of his students, both on the court and in the classroom, set him apart. Trey has a remarkable ability to see past a student’s disabilities or deficiencies, helping each one find their unique path to success. He is not only a leader but also charismatic and personable, qualities that endear him to his students and colleagues alike. His passion for teaching and relentless hard work create an inspiring environment where students thrive. Trey’s commitment and excellence sets him apart as our Teacher of the Year.”

“Anita’s passion for people and love for our students make her an invaluable asset to our school,” Kendall said. “Her impact goes far beyond her position, as she consistently counsels and guides students with a kind-hearted and helpful approach. Anita’s dedication to supporting every student and her commitment to loving them through their most difficult years sets her apart. Her contributions and influence reach all corners of the school, making her truly deserving of the Support Person of the Year award.”

Finally, Katie Travis, an English teacher, and two support staff members, Debbie Adams, the school secretary, and Lisa Dettwiller, the athletic department secretary, were recognized as Pelham High School’s Teacher and Support Person of the Year award winners. Adams and Dettwiller were both recognized due to a tie.

Sabrina Tutchtone, PHS’s new principal, gave a quote on the impact Travis has had on the school.

“Mrs. Travis is an exceptional educator whose impact on our students is inspiring,” Tutchtone said. “Her deep intelligence and mastery of her content area set her apart as a subject matter expert, but it’s her ability to connect meaningfully with students that makes her a standout. She serves as a role model for all of our teachers by continually seeking ways to refine her teaching practices, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth. At the same time, she generously mentors newer teachers, offering guidance with a calm demeanor and the highest level of professionalism.”

Tutchtone also believes that Travis embodies all of the core tenets of what PHS looks for in a teacher.

“Mrs. Travis embodies the qualities we value most in an educator: passion, dedication and an unwavering focus on student success,” Tutchtone said. “She not only leads by example but also promotes a culture of excellence in everything she does.”

The Pelham City Schools Teacher and Support Person of the Year award winners embody a dedication to education in all of its forms across all age levels. Knight gave her final thoughts on the awards as a whole.

“This peer-driven recognition fosters a culture of appreciation, uplifts morale among recipients and sets a standard of excellence that inspires all employees to contribute to the success of our schools,” Knight said. “For the community, these awards highlight the incredible work happening in our schools, reinforcing pride and trust in the educators and staff who serve our students.”