Several educators from across the Tennessee Valley and broader North Alabama region are being recognized among the state’s top teachers, earning spots on the Alabama Teacher of the Year “Sweet 16” list for the 2026–2027 school year.
The group includes six finalists representing school systems from Cullman and Albertville to the Shoals and Tennessee Valley, highlighting the region’s continued impact on education across the state.
The Alabama State Department of Education announced the finalists from a pool of more than 155 applicants statewide. Each educator was first selected as a district-level Teacher of the Year before advancing to the statewide competition.
Among those representing North Alabama:
• Lacy Cameron, Cullman City Schools (East Elementary School) – District VI Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Morgan Brooks, Albertville City Schools (Albertville High School) – District VI Secondary Teacher of the Year
• Amanda Green, Florence City Schools (Harlan Elementary School) – District VII Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Joseph T. Elliott, Sheffield City Schools (Sheffield Jr. High School) – District VII Secondary Teacher of the Year
• Lindy Vizzinia, Fort Payne City Schools (Wills Valley Elementary School) – District VIII Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Michael C. Fabbri May, Athens City Schools (Athens High School) – District VIII Secondary Teacher of the Year
The Alabama Teacher of the Year program, one of the state’s longest-running and most prestigious education honors, recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and a commitment to student success.
Finalists will next be narrowed to four candidates, with the eventual winner serving as a full-time ambassador for education in Alabama during the 2026–2027 school year. The selected teacher will also represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year program and participate in professional development efforts at both the state and national levels.
Current Alabama Teacher of the Year Katie Collins praised this year’s finalists, noting their dedication to students and leadership in the classroom.
“We are proud to have this opportunity to extend congratulations to these outstanding educators,” Collins said. “They all personify excellence, classroom leadership, and represent the great dedication and commitment required to become an outstanding teacher.”
With finalists spanning communities across the Tennessee Valley and North Alabama, the announcement underscores the region’s role in shaping the next generation of learners—and the educators leading that effort every day.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
