May 11, 2021

Congratulations to Mrs. Leah Hughes of Hillcrest High School! Mrs. Hughes has been named as a finalist in the Alabama Teacher of the Year Program.

Earlier this year, Mrs. Hughes was selected as the Alabama Teacher of the Year secondary level nominee, representing the Tuscaloosa County School System. On Monday, Mrs. Hughes was announced as the Alabama District IV Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Hughes is now one of 16 teachers across the state who will be considered for the title of Alabama Teacher of the Year.

In a release from the Alabama Department of Education, ALSDE praised the 16 finalists for excelling in the classroom and inspiring students through mentorship and by utilizing innovative classroom instruction.

“Congratulations to these highly skilled educators, who have been selected to represent their local school systems and our regional education districts,” current Alabama Teacher of the Year Dr. Andrew Jackson said.

“Each of these Alabama Teacher of the Year Finalists truly demonstrate outstanding classroom leadership and are elevating our profession to new levels of success.”

Mrs. Hughes is a graduate of The University of Alabama and has been an English teacher at Hillcrest High since 2011. 

The 2021-2022 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education in August. Alabama’s representative will become a candidate for National Teacher of the Year. 

Congratulations to Mrs. Hughes! TCSS is proud of your accomplishments and dedication to your students.