A Madison City school system teacher has been named one of the Final Four finalists for 2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year.
Liberty Middle School teacher Kristen Brown has advanced from the Sweet Sixteen, the state Department of Education announced Wednesday. She is one of two educators representing secondary schools, with the other being Kira Ledbetter Aaron of Vestavia Hills High School.
The other two spots are held by representatives of elementary schools: Deana Hooks of Pick Elementary in Auburn and Deborah Stringfellow of Elmore County.
The Final Four began as a group of more than 150.
The next step for the final four is an extensive interview with the state judging committee.
The 2024-2025 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced May 8 during a special event at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
The Teacher of the Year spends the school year serving as an official spokesperson for Alabama education and the teaching profession. Also, they represent our state for the National Teacher of the Year Award.
Here’s Brown’s bio from the state release:
Kristen Brown – Madison City Schools – Liberty Middle School (State School Board District VIII) From a struggling learner, teen mom, and high school dropout, Alabama educator Kristen Brown has transformed into an inspiring educator, dedicating her career to improving children’s lives.
Her deep commitment to empowering students facing adversity stems from her own life experiences.
She started working with children after volunteering as a nurse for domestic and international medical missions.
She began recognizing the same needs in her local community as she saw on these mission outreach efforts.
Alabama educator Kristen Brown and her husband Dawson have assisted disadvantage families, the Department of Human Resources, and local foster children programs. They have adopted four wonderful children. Brown believes lack of education is a common denominator shared in many negative situations.
Critical thinking skills and an ability to survive difficult circumstances are key. Brown has published two academic journal articles, designed a popular literacy program aimed at improving scientific literacy using Greek and Latin roots, and is currently writing an instructional textbook for middle school teachers.
“Outside of her classroom, Mrs. Brown started an initiative to help struggling students after school,†said a local school administrator. “The Academic and Curriculum Enrichment Support (ACES) program is an after-school effort that assist students in organizing and prioritizing. It focuses on helping students catch up on class assignments and builds communication between students and teachers. Mrs. Brown also provides meals during these sessions to ensure students are growing academically without hunger being a barrier. She has had a huge impact on the positive academic progress of our students.â€
Kristen Brown
