Written by: Tiffany Westry
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University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education alumna Jennifer Brown has been named the 2015-2016 Alabama Teacher of the Year.
“This recognition designates Jennifer Brown as a top teacher in the state,” said UAB School of Education Dean Deborah L. Voltz, Ed.D. “We are excited to have her excellence as an educator so appropriately acknowledged, and we are honored to have her as an alumna of the UAB School of Education. The work of teachers like Jennifer Brown is building brighter tomorrows for our state, nation and beyond.”
Brown, who received her undergraduate degree in secondary education with a specialization in comprehensive science from UAB, has taught ninth- and 10th-grade applied physical sciences, physical science and biology at Vestavia Hills High School since 2002. She enjoys sharing her love of science with students every day, is passionate about student achievement and believes all of her students have the ability to succeed.
“Jennifer Brown embodies the best of what quality instruction looks like in action,” said State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice. “Her passion for cultivating lifelong learners and helping her students achieve a depth of understanding of science and real-world science application is displayed in her classroom every day. We are proud to have her represent our state as the 2015-2016 Alabama Teacher of the Year.”
As Teacher of the Year, Brown will serve as a spokesperson for education and the teaching profession. She will present workshops to various groups and is now a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award. Brown works to motivate students both in the classroom and on the playing field as the school’s Ultimate Frisbee Club adviser and previously as a softball coach.
Brown dreamed of becoming a starting player in the WNBA. However, teaching young athletes how to play softball made her realize she was destined for a career in education. Now in her 16th year of teaching, Brown says she cannot imagine doing anything else.