18 Mar Baldwin County Public Schools Celebrate Teachers of the Year
POINT CLEAR, Ala. –On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Baldwin County Education Coalition hosted the Annual Teacher of the Year Banquet for Baldwin County Public Schools. More than 200 guests gathered at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear to honor and celebrate outstanding educators across the district.
“The Coalition is proud to host this event each year to honor and celebrate our teachers,” said Terry Burkle, Executive Director of the Baldwin County Education Coalition. “Supporting every educator is essential to our mission of being a champion for public education in Baldwin County. Our teachers are at the heart of preparing every student for a bright future, and we are honored to celebrate them every year.”
The evening included a warm welcome and remarks from Superintendent Eddie Tyler, a keynote address by Mobile Chamber President & CEO Bradley Byrne, the recognition of 13 new National Board Certified Teachers, acknowledgment of the Elementary and Secondary Counselors of the Year, recognition of 45 individual school Teachers of the Year, and the announcement of the District Teachers of the Year.
“It was my honor to sit with those who are the best of the best,” said Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler. “To all our Teacher of the Year winners, you are the reason we continue to be one of the best school systems in the state. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and for being an example on your campuses.”
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS
Congratulations to the 13 teachers who achieved National Board Certification and were recognized during the evening:
- Jennifer Jones, Bay Minette Middle
- Allison Martin, Belforest Elementary
- Erica Evans, Belforest Elementary
- Alexandra Carley, Daphne High
- Katie Phillips, Elberta Elementary
- Kristy Jordan-Storey, Foley Elementary
- Brandy Richard, Foley High
- Devon Block, Robertsdale Elementary
- James Gosnell, Robertsdale High
- Elizabeth Van Hofe, Spanish Fort Elementary
- Alison Robinson, Spanish Fort High
- Jacquelyn Wilson, Stonebridge Elementary
- Caroline Arthur, W.J. Carroll Intermediate
National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that recognizes accomplished teaching practices. The certification process includes the completion of rigorous portfolio entries and a computer-based assessment. Jeremy King of BCBE Educational Technology Support Services and Katie Nettles, BCBE Consulting Teacher, were present to pin and recognize the honorees.
COUNSELORS OF THE YEAR
The Elementary and Secondary Counselors of the Year were also recognized:
- Beth Dupis, Florence B. Mathis Elementary School, Elementary Counselor of the Year
- Shamika Bramble, Spanish Fort Middle, Secondary Counselor of the Year
Sherry Rainbolt, BCBE Prevention and Support Supervisor, presented the awards. Congratulations to both counselors for their continued dedication to Baldwin County students.
DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
The night concluded with the announcement of the District Teachers of the Year:
- Shawn Kavanaugh, Belforest Elementary, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Laura Smith, Fairhope High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
Each school in the district selects a Teacher of the Year, and from those, a panel of judges names one elementary and one secondary District Teacher of the Year. Both winners will advance for consideration in the Alabama Teacher of the Year competition.
Shawn Kavanaugh, Belforest Elementary, Baldwin County Elementary Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Kavanaugh began her teaching career in 1985 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field. Over her 39-year career, she has taught in Missouri and at Belforest Elementary in Baldwin County. Her roles have included general education, special education, and Title I Reading.
Her accolades include Soil and Conservation Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year honors in 2008, 2015, and 2024, and the Golden Apple Teacher Award in 2020. She was also part of the team that helped her school earn the National Blue Ribbon Award.
Mrs. Kavanaugh is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive classroom where students are inspired to strive for excellence. Outside the classroom, she enjoys time with her husband, daughters, and six grandchildren. She’s a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, beachgoer, and avid reader.
Laura Smith, Fairhope High School, Baldwin County Secondary Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Smith has spent the past 12 years teaching English to high school students, covering everything from Creative Writing to AP Language and Composition. A proud alumna of Fairhope High School, she now teaches in the very school that shaped her.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing with a minor in Music from Louisiana State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a Certificate in Editing and Publishing from Florida State University. Prior to high school teaching, she taught college-level writing courses at FSU.
Laura believes literature teaches critical life skills and encourages students to explore diverse perspectives. She lives in Fairhope with her husband and son and enjoys gardening, writing fiction, and making music with her family.
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