Pelham City Schools has announced its 2025-26 Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year honorees across all four schools in the system, recognizing educators and staff members selected by their peers for their impact on students and school communities.
The district surprised each honoree with visits to their respective campuses to share the news. All recipients will be formally recognized at the Pelham City Schools Board of Education meeting in January.
Honorees include Alexis Simpkins and Sam Banks from Pelham Oaks Elementary School; Kay Goolsby and Karina Venzor from Pelham Ridge Elementary School; Lindsy Palombo and Chris Roughsedge from Pelham Park Middle School; and Michael Hock and Shannon Nash from Pelham High School.
Pelham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Keri Johnson said the awards carry special meaning because recipients are chosen by their colleagues.
“What makes the Teacher or Support Person of the Year award so special is that the recipients are chosen by their own peers,” Johnson said. “This distinction is our way of honoring those exceptional staff members who daily go above and beyond for our students and community.”
Johnson added that the honorees exemplify the district’s culture of diversity, care and mutual respect, noting that nominees are consistently described as caring, hardworking and committed to providing students with a safe and supportive learning environment.
According to Robin Hollingsworth, PCS’s chief academic officer, the selection process begins at the school level with faculty nominations and voting before moving to district review.
“Our Teacher of the Year nominees really stand out because of the way they show up for kids every single day,” Hollingsworth said. “They’re not just strong educators; they are relationship builders, problem solvers and the kind of people who bring out the best in their students and colleagues.”
Pelham High School Principal Sabrina Tuchtone said Teacher of the Year Michael Hock has been instrumental in the success of the school’s AP U.S. History program and record-breaking AP scores.
“His passion for teaching is contagious,” Tuchtone said. “Kids feel it, they buy in and they rise to the expectations he sets.”
Tuchtone also praised Support Person of the Year Shannon Nash, the school nurse, for his expertise, compassion and positive presence on campus.
“Every school hopes for a Nurse Nash,” she said.
PCS Assistant Superintendent Kim Kiel said the awards reflect the district’s belief that every employee plays a vital role in student success.
“Whether they are teaching in the classroom, maintaining our facilities or keeping our schools running smoothly, their influence creates the conditions where students can thrive,” Kiel said.
A reception honoring the recipients will be held at Pelham Park Middle School prior to the January Board of Education meeting, according to Nicole Wheeler, PCS director of communications. The event will include food prepared by the Pelham High School culinary department and music from the PHS jazz ensemble. During the board meeting, the district will also announce its overall Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, who will advance to the Alabama Teacher of the Year program.