Blooming in SEL Tuscaloosa City Schools Principal: Dr. Donmonique Morgan Superintendent: Dr. Michael Daria Blooming in SEL was a school-developed, research-based social-emotional learning initiative that served all K–12 students at STARS Academy, with intentional design for students in an alternative setting. Implemented during the 2024–2025 school year, the program integrated gardening, mentorship, leadership development, and…

Mad Scientist HourLinden City SchoolsPrincipal: Ms. Tonya StarksInterim Superintendent: Mr. Scott Collier George P. Austin Junior High School’s Mad Scientist Hour was created to give students an exciting opportunity to explore science beyond regular classroom instruction. The school’s science teacher wanted to spark curiosity, creativity, and a deeper interest in how science works in the…

Cultivate MoreAutauga County SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Christen HarrySuperintendent: Mr. Lyman Woodfin The outdoor classroom and garden program at Pine Level Elementary School was designed to meet a critical need by engaging students in hands-on learning that connected academic content to real-world experiences. The garden served as a dynamic extension of core instruction, transforming science lessons into…

Beyond the Classroom InititativeTuscaloosa City SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Preeti NichaniSuperintendent: Dr. Michael Daria At Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary (TMSE), the “Beyond the Classroom” initiative was launched in the 2024–25 school year to transform learning into a relational and visible experience through sustained partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and institutions. This program is built around one core belief:…

The Power of FourTuscaloosa City SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Keonta MeltonSuperintendent: Dr. Michael Daria The Power of Four at Skyland Elementary was implemented to strengthen student character, improve school culture, and establish a consistent, schoolwide framework for positive behavior and leadership. The program represented the school’s four houses, Determination, Accountability, Respect, and Optimism and was developed in…

Forged in Gold: The Wolf Trading Card Company Talladega County Schools Principal: Mr. Michael Pinson Superintendent: Dr. Suzanne Lacey The Wolf Trading Card Company at Fayetteville School was developed to restore excitement for learning, strengthen school culture, and recognize character, growth, and leadership. In a post-COVID environment, Fayetteville School identified a need to re-engage students…

International Coffee Trolley Alabaster City Schools Principal: Mrs. Amanda Harvie Superintendent: Dr. Wayne Vickers For many students learning English, the best way to grow is through authentic conversations and real-life experiences. At Meadow View Elementary School, the International Coffee Trolley gave students that opportunity. Each week, English Learners from kindergarten through third grade worked together…

Extended Time to Level UpSylacauga City SchoolsPrincipal: Mr. Gary RiversSuperintendent: Dr. Michele Eller Sylacauga High School implemented the “Extended Time to Level Up” program during the 2024-2025 school year to improve student performance on the ACT by prioritizing academic growth over benchmark attainment. The program targeted 10th and 11th-grade students and was developed based on…

Medical Detectives Shelby County Schools Principal: Ms. LaTasha McMillan Superintendent: Dr. Lewis Brooks The award-winning Medical Detectives program at Helena Middle School provided an engaging, hands-on learning experience in which students acted as real-life medical investigators. The program emphasized experimental design, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students explored the human body and worked to diagnose…

Book Fairy Challenge: Inspring Accuracy, Stamina, and Love of BooksRussell County SchoolsPrincipal: Ms. Lisa RushingSuperintendent: Dr. Brenda Coley Mount Olive Primary School implemented the “Book Fairy Challenge: Inspiring Accuracy, Stamina, and Love of Books” program to promote a strong culture of reading among Pre-K through second grade students. The program was designed to increase student…