In a night filled with celebration, recognition, and “Oscars-style” glamour, Jefferson County Schools (JEFCOED) announced its 2026 Teachers of the Year during a special banquet held at The Florentine in downtown Birmingham on March 19.
Selected from a field of ten outstanding finalists, Sherylyn McNamara, a Pre-K teacher at Mount Olive Elementary School, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year, while Nefertiti LeBeaux, a biology teacher at Pleasant Grove High School, earned the title of Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Both educators were recognized for their exceptional impact on student achievement, innovative instructional practices, and unwavering dedication to their students and school communities.
“Tonight is about more than just an award; it’s about recognizing the heart of our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin. “Mrs. McNamara and Mrs. LeBeaux represent the very best of Jefferson County. They aren’t just teaching lessons—they are changing lives and shaping the future of Alabama.”
Meet the Winners
Sherylyn McNamara – Elementary Teacher of the Year
Sherylyn McNamara is an Alabama National Board Certified Teacher with twelve years of experience, currently serving as the Lead Pre-K Teacher at Mount Olive Elementary School. Though she initially envisioned a career in the corporate world, Sherylyn felt a clear calling toward education, discovering that teaching allowed her to uniquely combine leadership and service. She is driven by the belief that she is guiding children during their most formative years, helping to shape not only their academic foundations in early literacy but also the leaders they will eventually become. Her commitment to children extends well beyond the school walls, as she also serves as a foster parent, utilizing trauma-informed practices to provide stability and advocacy for children during times of transition.
In the classroom, "Ms. Mac" is known for her intentionality and her ability to make learning joyful and memorable—whether that means bringing a live chicken into class for a lesson or implementing advanced phonemic awareness activities to ensure her students are "ahead of the curve" for Kindergarten. Her colleagues and administrators describe her as a pillar of the Early Childhood team, recognized for her solution-oriented mindset and her dedication to mentoring fellow educators. By fostering an environment of warmth, high expectations, and consistent routines, Mrs. McNamara ensures that her students feel safe to take risks and grow, leaving her classroom with the stamina and confidence needed for lifelong success.
Nefertiti LeBeaux – Secondary Teacher of the Year
Nefertiti LeBeaux is a distinguished biology educator whose classroom is defined by academic rigor, discipline, and a deep-seated belief in student potential. A graduate of Miles College and Alabama State University, Mrs. LeBeaux initially prepared for a career in physical therapy before discovering her true calling in the classroom in 2008. Since that pivotal shift, she has dedicated herself to empowering students through the sciences, blending her strong foundation in biology and chemistry with a teaching style that encourages critical thinking and the pursuit of excellence.
Beyond her instructional mastery, Mrs. LeBeaux is recognized as a leader who models integrity and perseverance for her students and colleagues alike. Her approach is rooted in the values of hard work she learned growing up in LaGrange, Georgia—principles she now passes on to the next generation in Pleasant Grove. Whether she is guiding a complex laboratory experiment or mentoring students to believe in their own capabilities, Mrs. LeBeaux remains steadfast in her commitment to student growth, ensuring that every learner leaves her care with the confidence to succeed in the world around them.
The Road Ahead
As JEFCOED’s 2026 Teachers of the Year, McNamara and LeBeaux will serve as ambassadors for the district throughout the coming year. They will also represent Jefferson County Schools in the Alabama State Teacher of the Year program and participate in the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Committee.
The evening served as a reminder that while the setting may have mirrored the glamour of Hollywood, the true stars of the night were the educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day.