As a Civics and Geography teacher, JEFCOED Teacher of the Year Finalist Ms. Leigh Brooks is passionate about guiding the next generation through her role.
“My goal is for them to be responsible citizens when they leave this classroom, and to be well-informed,” Brooks said. “I would say that when they leave us and they move up to the eighth grade, and then when they leave us and move to the high school, I feel like we’re sending our best.”
According to the Hueytown Middle School teacher, it’s not just the students who grow throughout the school year.
“People say you're teaching the student, but to be very honest, these students teach us a lot,” Brooks said.
Whether it’s learning from students or growing professionally, Brooks is always challenging herself, according to Principal Serra Peterson.
“Ms. Brooks is going to bring her level of expertise and she pushes herself,” Peterson said. “She professionally develops, she wants to strengthen her skillset to meet an ever-changing student.”
And meeting her students’ needs is a priority for Ms. Brooks. She wants her students to feel supported emotionally and academically.
“Realistically, when a student comes into a classroom for the school year, they see their teachers more than they see anyone else,” Brooks said. “When it comes to their home, those children are with us more throughout the week than they are with their families. And so you create a bond with these students as though they’re like your children. They’re my kids.”
Ms. Brooks is one of our five Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists. To meet our other finalists, click here.