JEFCOED Journeys — The stunning views of summer! ☀️😎

🐳 Mrs. Kathy Skinner is on a mission to visit all 50 states, and Oregon was #49! She even spotted a whale on this trip! 👏
📚 Mrs. Skinner is an interventionist at Fultondale Elementary School.

🌊 The Cole family spent an amazing week exploring the Big Island of Hawaiʻi! They loved snorkeling with manta rays, exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and seeing the breathtaking views. (How about that sunset!!)
📚 Ms. Allison Cole is a 6th grade math teacher at Rudd Middle School.

🏊‍♀️ The Snow family went to Atlantis in the Bahamas and had such a fun trip! They swam with and got to pet sea turtles!
📚 Myles will be an 8th grader at North Jefferson Middle School this year, Mackenzie is a 2026 graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School, and Madison graduated from JCIB in May 2024! Ms. Snow is a pre-k teacher at U.W. Clemon Elementary School.
11 days ago, JEFCOED
A woman sits on a boat in water and smiles for a photo.
A whale swimming through water.
A man and a woman smiling in front of a pink, gold, and blue sky from atop a mountain.
A volcano smoking.
A woman and a child smiling in front of a body of water.
Two girls and a boy sitting at a table in a restaurant and smiling.
Two girls and a boy sitting at a table in a restaurant and smiling.
We are feeling energized and ready for the academic year ahead following today’s Back to School Conference! 💙📚

The theme for this school year, "Realizing our Potential, Redefining the Standard,” is all about acknowledging and appreciating our progress, while setting even bigger goals and raising the bar. Today, our faculty and staff gathered in one place to do exactly this. Together, we celebrated past wins and set the stage for a successful school year ahead.

We sincerely appreciate our educators and administrators for participating today, as well as each of our presenters for their time. We are beyond excited for the 2026-2027 school year, and can’t wait to see everyone in the classroom next week! 🎉
14 days ago, JEFCOED
A woman walks through a parking lot. She smiles and waves.
Three women stand together for a photo and smile. They stand in front of a Jefferson County Schools themed photo backdrop and hold a sign that says "Better Together."
Two women high-five while standing outside a building.
A women sits in an auditorium seat and listens to a speaker.
Three people stand in a room in a building and speak to each other.
A woman and a man stand together and smile for a photo inside a room.
Two women stand together for a photo outside a building.
Two women sit in auditorium chairs and smile for a photo.
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin stands on a stage and smiles while giving a speech.
A group of adults stand together and smile for a photo. They hold education themed signs and stand in front of a Jefferson County Schools photo backdrop.
JEFCOED Journeys — Exploring historic landmarks! 📍🗺️

🚗 While road-tripping and visiting loved ones in the New Braunfels/San Antonio, Texas area, the Rhodes family visited the Alamo!
📚 Olivia Leo-Rhodes attends Mortimer Jordan High School, Ainsleigh Rhodes attends Bryan Elementary School, and Chelsea Rhodes teaches pre-k at Bryant Park Elementary School.

✈️ Natalee Smith and her crew traveled to Bavaria, Germany and Rome, Italy! They visited Linderhof Palace in Bavaria, the Colosseum in Rome, saw the ruins of Pompeii, and hiked to the top of Mount Vesuvius. What an awesome trip!
📚 Ms. Smith teaches kindergarten at Fultondale Elementary School.

🇮🇹 Emily Stanford, Morgan Carden, and Jenny Mellown visited Italy! They stayed in the smaller town of Manciano, and traveled to places like Rome, Florence, Orvieto, and Feniglia Beach! Emily says, “It was truly surreal walking the streets of this historic country!”
📚 Ms. Stanford teaches at Minor High School, Ms. Carden teaches at Gardendale Elementary School, and Ms. Mellown teaches at Hueytown Primary School!
16 days ago, JEFCOED
A family poses for a photo in front of the Alamo.
A family poses for a photo in front of Linderhof Palace in Bavaria, Germany.
A family smiles and poses for a photo in front of the Colosseum in Rome.
Three women smile and pose for a photo in front of the Colosseum in Rome.
Three women smile and pose for a photo in front of an ornate building in Italy.

Mountie Country is full of excitement and community spirit ahead of the upcoming school year!

Irondale's Back-to-School Rally was held this week and was the perfect way to kickstart the year. 🎉📚 Community members enjoyed supply giveaways, received autographs from student athletes, and gained valuable information from the college and career exploration tent!

Thank you to everyone who made this spectacular event a success!

16 days ago, JEFCOED
Shades Valley High School cheerleaders sit at a table under a tent and sign autographs.
People stand on a stage outdoors and hold up a big check from the City of Irondale made out to the Shades Valley FBLA.
A man speaks into a microphone while adults stand behind him on a stage set up outdoors.
Adults and students stand on an outdoor stage and smile for a photo.
People stand under tents set up outdoors at a back to school rally.
Shades Valley student athletes sit at a table under a tent and sign autographs.
Administrators from Irondale schools stand together outdoors for a photo.
Inaugural Campus Communicator Summit: Complete! ✅📢

Yesterday was full of excitement as Campus Communicators from across our district met at the Central Office for training. These educators will serve as the voice of their school, showcasing the amazing things happening on campus, as well as keeping students and families informed. 👏📚

We are so excited for this new journey and want to thank everyone who made yesterday's summit a success!
17 days ago, JEFCOED
Educators sit at tables in a room and smile. One of the educators holds up a small bag.
A woman smiles while standing at a podium inside a room. Educators sit at tables around her and take notes.
Educators sit at tables inside a room.
Two women smile while sitting at a table inside a room.
A woman stands at a podium in a room and speaks into a microphone. People sit in chairs around her and listen.
A man stands in a room and smiles. He holds a coffee cup in his hand that says "Good News is Strategic."
A woman stands in a room and smiles.
Adults sit at tables inside a room. One of the adults raises their hand.
Adults sit at tables inside a room. Two women in the center of the photo smile.
Our 2026 New Teacher Orientation is in the books, and WOW do we have an incredible group of educators joining the JEFCOED Family! 👏📚 Thank you to our presenters and attendees for making today’s orientation such a success. We are ecstatic for the upcoming year and can’t wait to see the difference each of our teachers will make!
17 days ago, JEFCOED
Three women sit in an auditorium and smile for a photo
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin speaks into a microphone in an auditorium
A woman speaks to adults while they sit in a classroom and listen
Three adults stand together in an auditorium and smile for a photo.
Two women sit in an auditorium and smile for a photo
A mariachi band performs for adults as they sit in seats in an auditorium
Preparing the next generation of educators! 📚💙

Last night, we welcomed students and families to Center Point High School for the UAB-JEFCOED Teacher Academy open house! Members of our JEFCOED Family learned all about the magnet program, toured the wing that will house the Teacher Academy, and even got to meet some of the program’s educators.

We’re beyond excited that students will not only have the chance to gain valuable experience in the field of education, but also complete a significant portion of their college degree at no cost. The future of education is bright — and it’s being developed right here at JEFCOED!
17 days ago, JEFCOED
A girl sits at a table in a library and holds a UAB shirt.
Three people sit at a table in a library and speak to each other.
A girl sits at a table in a library and smiles.
A girl and a woman sit at a table in a library. The girl looks at a laptop screen.
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin speaks to a room of people inside a library.
A girl smiles while standing in a library and holding a bag that says Teacher Academy.
Two women look down at a laptop while standing in a library. Other people sit around them at tables.
A woman stands in a library and speaks to people as they sit at a table.
Women stand in a library and speak to a group of individuals as they sit at tables.
A group of adults sit at tables inside a library and speak to each other.
Legends in the making! ⚾️👏

We are proud to share that last week, Clay-Chalkville High School baseball player Kedrick Thomas participated in the elite “44 Game” at Rickwood Field! This matchup brings together the top players from the Hank Aaron Invitational, an educational training experience for athletes across the country.

Kedrick was one of only two players from our state selected for the showcase game, and we are incredibly proud of the work he’s put in to get to this stage!

Click here to watch Kedrick's interview with WBRC: https://www.wbrc.com/2026/07/29/clay-chalkville-senior-stars-mlbs-44-game-rickwood-field/
18 days ago, JEFCOED
A baseball player runs across a baseball field. He wears a jersey with the number 11 and "Hank Aaron" on it. His hat has the number 44 on it.
A baseball player stands on first base while playing in the Hank Aaron 44 game at Rickwood Field.
What an inspiring two days we've had at the 2026 Leadership Summit!👏 It is truly a gift to have our school and district leaders all under one roof, sharing ideas and setting the standard for the incredible school year ahead. Thank you to Hueytown High School for hosting!
22 days ago, JEFCOED
Attendees of the 2026 JEFCOED Leadership Summit smile at the camera.
A woman smiles and waves at the camera as she walks into the 2026 JEFCOED Leadership Summit.
Group photo of attendees at the 2026 JEFCOED Leadership Summit.
Two attendees of the JEFCOED Leadership Summit smile for a photo.
Three attendees at the 2026 JEFCOED Leadership Summit smile while holding up various restaurant gift cards.
A woman speaks to the audience at the 2025 JEFCOED Leadership Conference.
Two attendees of the 2026 JEFCOED Leadership Summit smile for the camera.
Attendees of the 2026 Leadership Summit smile at the camera.
Attendees walk into the 2026 JEFCOED Leadership Summit.
A woman stands in a kitchen and smiles at the camera while holding up a water bottle.
JEFCOED Journeys — Endless fun in Florida! ☀️🎉 Several members of our JEFCOED family made special memories in the Sunshine State this summer!

🎢 The Perdue Family took on Universal Studios! They made memories, shared laughs, and enjoyed every moment together in Orlando! Ms. Perdue works in Child Nutrition at Bryant Park Elementary School, and the Perdue kiddos attend Center Point High School and Erwin Middle School!

🩰 The Morgan Family spent a week in Orlando, where Kinley competed with her dance studio (The Pointe Dance Arts) and took classes at West Coast Dance Explosion’s national dance competition and convention! Kinley attends Gardendale High School, and her mom, Angey, teaches English and coaches the dance team at Gardendale High!

✨ And two JEFCOED students took an AMAZING trip to Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World! You can see Donovan and London were all smiles as they posed with Mickey and Minnie Mouse! Donovan attends Hueytown Primary School and London attends Hueytown Middle School!
23 days ago, JEFCOED
A family poses in front of a Universal Studios background.
A girl and a woman stand together for a photo. They wear dresses and pose in front of a sign for West Coast Dance Explosion Convention and Competition.
Two students stand together for a photo with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Animal Kingdom.
A summer of continued growth and commitment to education! 📚☀️

Many of our educators spent their break participating in professional development opportunities, and we could not be prouder of their dedication to student success. 👏

✏️ Fultondale High School at A+ College Ready Summer Training.

🧪 Earth and Space Science teachers at A+ College Ready Summer Training. There were 4 JEFCOED teachers in this group!

✨ Administrators and staff from Brighton School attended Ron Clark Academy’s House Mania conference.

💜 Minor Middle School Counselors attended the 2026 American School Counselor Association Conference.

📓 U.W. Clemon Elementary School's Leadership team attended the Model Schools Conference.

Amazing work, everyone!
23 days ago, JEFCOED
A group of women wearing matching blue shirts stand in front of a photo backdrop with balloons in a hallway and pose for a photo.
A group of teachers stand together and smile for a photo in a hallway. They pose in front of a photo backdrop with balloons on it.
Educators sit outside a brick building. They pose for a photo under a sign on the building that says "The Ron Clark Academy."
Two women pose for a photo in front of a sign. The sign says "ASCA 2026 Amplify Success."
Members of U.W. Clemon Elementary School's leadership team smile for a photo while attending the Model Schools Conference.

Exciting beginnings for U.W. Clemon Elementary School's newest Tiger Cubs!

Kindergarten Camp is underway and these soon-to-be students are getting a preview of all the joy they'll experience at school! From campus tours to stations and even a signing day experience, these students had a day filled with fun! 💜🐅

24 days ago, JEFCOED
A child smiles while playing on a playground.
A child smiles while playing on a playground outdoors.
A child sits at a table in a classroom and plays with blocks.
A girl smiles while sitting at a table in front of a purple photo backdrop. She holds a large inflatable pencil.
A teacher and a student sit on a colorful rug on the floor of a classroom. The teacher writes on a piece of paper while the student looks down at a worksheet.
A boy smiles while standing on a ladder on a playground.
A girl smiles while sitting at a table in front of a purple backdrop and holds an inflatable pencil.
A girl sits at a table in a classroom and plays with blocks.
A child smiles while sitting at a table in a classroom and playing with play doh.
Nothing like some extra motivation during the last summer practice! 🏈☀️

As summer training comes to a close, United States Marines visited Pinson Valley High School's football players to share some encouragement and words of wisdom! We appreciate this group for taking the time to inspire our athletes! 👏
24 days ago, JEFCOED
Pinson Valley football players sit on the end zone of a football field and listen to Marines speak.
A Pinson Valley football player carries a fellow player across the football field.
Football coaches stand on a football field and watch as a Pinson Valley football player carries a fellow player across the football field.
Marines stand in a football workout room and speak to Pinson Valley football players. The players sit on the floor of the room and listen.
Marines stand on a football field and speak to Pinson Valley football players. The players sit on the end zone and listen.
Registered and ready for a wonderful school year! 📚🦅

We loved seeing the smiling faces of students from Center Point Elementary School, Erwin Intermediate School, Erwin Middle School, and Center Point High School during today’s combined registration event! This school year is going to be a special one, and we can’t wait to see what all our students will accomplish!
25 days ago, JEFCOED
A man and a child stand in the entrance of a school gym and smile.
A group of women sit at a table in a school lunch room and smile.
A girl smiles while sitting on bleachers in a school gym.
A child smiles and looks at a teacher as the teacher hugs a student. They all stand in a school hallway.
A girl sits on bleachers at a school and smiles.
District employees with Jefferson County Schools sit at a table in a school and help families register for classes.
Two children smile for a photo and stand in a school hallway.
A teacher smiles while sitting at a table in a cafeteria.
Educators sit at a table in a cafeteria and smile for a photo.
Image is of a school cafeteria. A neon sign in the cafeteria says Eagle's Nest Diner.
JEFCOED Journeys — Navigating the beauty of our national parks!

🏔️ From Mortimer Jordan High School to Yellowstone National Park — the Hollifields were all smiles as they explored the first national park!

🌵 The Head family went west and visited two national parks: Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas!

Levi and Caleb attend Oak Grove High School, Andrew and Aaron attend Concord Elementary School, and Maggie is a future Concord Elementary student! Jeremy Head is an assistant principal at Oak Grove High School, and Amanda Head teaches exceptional education at Concord Elementary School!

We love seeing how our students and employees are spending the summer! Be sure to submit your JEFCOED Journey here: https://forms.gle/gVdZ1Y9EwH3uMwLf9
25 days ago, JEFCOED
A family poses for a photo in front of the Yellowstone National Park sign at Yellowstone National Park.
A family poses for a photo in front of mountains at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Let’s hear it for two of our JEFCOED seniors who recently participated in the Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program! 🎉

Jonathan Cope from Mortimer Jordan High School and Bryanna Cornejo from Fultondale High School had the opportunity to learn from experts about the importance of economic and community development at the state and local levels.

Jonathan and Bryanna were two of 23 high schoolers representing 17 Alabama Chambers of Commerce during the program, and we are thrilled they had the chance to gain such powerful insight during this event! Congratulations to you both! 👏
28 days ago, JEFCOED
A boy stands outdoors in front of a building and smiles.
A girl stands outdoors in front of a building and smiles.
English as a Second Language educators from across our state are equipped and energized for the school year following this year’s ESL Summer Summit at McAdory Middle School! 👏

More than 100 teachers met for powerful sessions ranging from how to empower students, engage with their families, and collaborate with fellow educators. We are proud of this group of leaders and can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make this school year!
29 days ago, JEFCOED
A woman stands in the front of a classroom and holds a laptop while giving a lesson.
Educators sit in desks inside a classroom and listen to a speaker.
Two women stand at the front of a classroom at a smart board and lead a presentation.
Educators sit at desks inside a classroom and listen to a presenter.
A woman sits at a table in a school hallway and smiles.
Educators sit in a classroom and listen to a presenter.
A woman gives a presentation while standing at the front of a classroom.
Getting game day ready! 🎵🐾 Today, we caught up with the Clay-Chalkville High School marching band as they prepare for the upcoming football season! Band camp is off to an amazing start and we can’t wait to see these students shine on the field! ✨🎷
29 days ago, JEFCOED
A girl smiles while practicing a dance routine in a parking lot
A boy stands in a parking lot and plays a snare drum
a girl stands in a parking lot and plays a trumpet
A group of girls stand in a parking lot and smile while practicing marching band fundamentals
Majorettes stand in a parking lot and smile during practice
A boy plays a tuba while standing in a parking lot
A girl plays a saxophone while standing in a parking lot
A girl plays an instrument while standing inside a parking lot
Band students stand in a parking lot and play trombones
Two boys stand in a parking lot and play instruments during a marching band practice
🗓️ This Week ‼️ | Substitute Teacher Hiring Event 📚🎉

JEFCOED Family, don’t forget that this week, Kelly Education is hosting a substitute teacher hiring event for Jefferson County Schools! Head out to Bryant Park Elementary School on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to learn more about how you can make a difference as a substitute teacher! The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. See you there!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces that Kelly Education will be hosting a substitute teacher hiring event at Bryant Park Elementary School on July 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Congratulations are in order for JCIB’s Jaidyn McDuffie, our new Miss Junior High School America! 🎉🌟

Jaidyn won her impressive title this month, which comes with an incredible $10,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice! She will now spend this year representing the nation while promoting her literacy and mental wellness initiative, “Lit for Life,” as well as the Miss High School America Organization's B.R.A.V.E. (Building Respect and Values for Everyone) program. 👑💛

Jaidyn has many exciting moments in store during her year of service, and we can’t wait to see all she achieves as Miss Junior High School America! Way to go!

📸✨ Photos courtesy of Miss High School America.
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Jaidyn McDuffie wears a crown and smiles while wearing a blue dress on a stage. Confetti falls as she waves.