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!
2 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.
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!
8 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.
🗓️ 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!
11 days 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.
11 days ago, JEFCOED
Jaidyn McDuffie wears a crown and smiles while wearing a blue dress on a stage. Confetti falls as she waves.
We are absolutely thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Carrie Beth Buchanan as the new Assistant Principal of the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School! Dr. Buchanan is a familiar and highly respected face within our district, having most recently served as our Secondary English Language Arts and World Languages Specialist. Her deep expertise in advanced curriculum design, her passion for global education, and her unwavering commitment to student success make her the perfect fit for our IB community.
Dr. Buchanan is excited to join JCIB as assistant principal. Her education career spans more than 20 years, beginning in classrooms in Hungary and Harlem, New York. She joined Jefferson County Schools in 2006 as an English/Advanced Placement teacher at Clay-Chalkville High School and later served as the Clay-Chalkville instructional transformation specialist and the districtwide secondary curriculum specialist for English language arts/world languages. A National Board-certified teacher, Dr. Buchanan is committed to helping students find their voices, build empathy, and communicate their ideas with confidence by encouraging them to explore diverse perspectives and collaborate with one another.
Beyond school, Dr. Buchanan enjoys reading, traveling, thrift shopping, and listening to live music with her husband and daughter.
12 days ago, JCIB
assistant principal picture
PowerEDUp and ready to shine! 💡📚

This week, JEFCOED educators, administrators, and district leaders gathered at Fultondale High School for the 2026 PowerEDUp! Tech Conference. Attendees spent the day learning from experts and discovering innovative ways to use technology in their classrooms!

We sincerely thank our Technology Department for organizing this fantastic and informative conference, as well as our wonderful educators for attending!
15 days ago, JEFCOED
Two ladies stand together inside a building and smile for a photo.
Three women stand together for a photo. They smile and pose in front of a photo backdrop with stars and "VIP" written on it. They wear sparkly sunglasses and feather boas.
Two women smile while sitting at a table inside a classroom.
Three women smile for a photo while standing inside a room. Two of the women wear matching CTE shirts.
Three women stand together in a hallway at Fultondale High School. Two of the women hug each other and smile.
Two women pose for a photo inside a school building they stand together and smile.
A woman stands behind a desk and hands another woman a canvas tote with "PowerEDup!" written on it.
A man and two women stand together and smile for a photo while attending the PowerEDUp! tech conference.
A woman stands in front of a classroom of educators and speaks to them as they sit at tables and take notes.
After showcasing plenty of spirit and performing some very impressive routines, our students are leaving UCA Camp with several 1st place trophies, loads of ribbons, and memories that will last a lifetime! 📣🏆

Congratulations to our JEFCOED cheerleaders on your outstanding performances at recent UCA Camps! You all have so much to be proud of. 👏
17 days ago, JEFCOED
Clay-Chalkville High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo inside a practice facility. They wear matching cheer uniforms and stand behind several trophies.
JCIB cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They smile and pose behind several trophies.
Oak Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They wear their cheer uniforms and stand and kneel behind several trophies.
Oak Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They wear their cheer uniforms and pose behind trophies.
Fultondale High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They wear their uniforms and stand on the turf.
Fultondale High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo outside a building. They smile and wear their cheer uniforms.
Hueytown High School cheerleaders pose for a photo on a practice field. They wear matching purple cheer uniforms and pose behind several trophies.
Pleasant Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo outside a building. They wear purple and yellow practice uniforms.
Pleasant Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a gym. They wear matching purple cheer uniforms and two of the girls hold trophies.
Next Week❗️ | Substitute Teacher Hiring Event 📚🍎

Are you ready to make a difference in the field of education? Join us next Thursday (July 23, 2026) for Kelly Education's substitute teacher hiring event!

📍 The event will be held at Bryant Park Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We hope to see you there!
19 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces a substitute teacher hiring event hosted by Kelly Education on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bryant Park Elementary School.
Laying the groundwork for a successful school year! 📚💫 This week, members of JEFCOED’s Continuous Improvement Leadership Team are all under one roof, collaborating and reviewing data as we prepare for the upcoming school year! We appreciate their dedication to our students and celebrate all the hard work they’re putting in. 👏
26 days ago, JEFCOED
Educators and administrators sit at desks in a classroom and listen to speakers
A man stands at a smart board and speaks to a group of educators and administrators as they sit at desks and listen
A woman stands at the front of a classroom and speaks to a group of educators and administrators as they sit at desks
A woman stands at the front of a classroom and speaks to educators and administrators as they sit at desks
A man takes notes on paper while sitting at a desk in a classroom.
A woman addresses a room of administrators
Administrators sit at desks in a classroom and listen to a speaker
Educators and administrators sit at desks inside a classroom
Educators smile while sitting at desks in a classroom during professional development
Women sit in chairs in an auditorium and take notes as a speaker talks
Happy 4th of July, JEFCOED Family! We hope you have a fun and safe holiday weekend! 🎉🌟
28 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic wishes students, families, and employees of Jefferson County Schools a happy Independence Day.
A bittersweet goodbye for two remarkable JEFCOED principals! 💙

During last week’s board meeting, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School Principal Lori Lightsey and Shades Valley High School Principal Taki Sarhaan were honored for their service to our district. These principals have dedicated decades of their lives to educating our youth and helping them find success in the classroom and beyond.

We sincerely thank Ms. Lightsey and Mr. Sarhaan for all they’ve done to support our students and wish them a happy retirement! 🎉
29 days ago, JEFCOED
Retired JCIB principal Ms. Lori Lightsey and JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin pose for a photo inside the JEFCOED board room.
Retired Shades Valley High School principal Mr. Taki Sarhaan and JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin smile for a photo inside the JEFCOED board room.
Retired JCIB principal Lori Lightsey poses for a photo with a man and JEFCOED superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin inside the JEFCOED board room.
Retired Shades Valley High School principal Mr. Taki Sarhaan poses for a photo with his family and JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin inside the JEFCOED board room.
Reaching new heights at the TSA National Leadership Conference! 🤩

We are beyond proud of the JCIB Middle School Technology Student Association for their performance at this esteemed conference! Students participated in several competitions, including drone flight, robotics, problem solving, coding, and more!

Each of these scholars did a phenomenal job representing their school and our district. Way to go!
30 days ago, JEFCOED
Students compete in a drone flying competition.
Students participate in a competition at the TSA National Leadership Conference.
A girl smiles and holds her arms in the air for a photo in front of the Washington Monument during sunset.
Two boys stand together for a photo. They wear matching blue shirts and lanyards.
A group of students stand together for a photo in front of a building. They wear matching blue shirts.
A girl smiles and poses for a photo in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A boy smiles for a photo. Behind him in the background are buildings and an American flag.
A boy smiles for a photo while standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
👋 Hey JEFCOED Family! This is a friendly reminder that all schools and offices will be closed Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, 2026, for Independence Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday, July 6, 2026. Enjoy your holiday weekend! 🎉
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces that Jefferson County Schools will be closed July 2nd and 3rd, 2026 for Independence Day.
JEFCOED Journeys — As seen on TV! 📺✨

This crew recently visited sites around Georgia featured in the filming of “Stranger Things”! They visited Downtown Hawkins, Starcourt Mall, Hawkins Lab, and the Palace Arcade! 🤩

Students pictured attend Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School. Mrs. Hegler and Ms. Gresham teach at Hueytown Intermediate School, and Mrs. Butler teaches at Hueytown Primary School.

We love seeing how our JEFCOED Family is enjoying their summer break! Be sure to share your JEFCOED Journeys with us here: https://forms.gle/MTkUYcwjh9ztw2XM8
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A group of women and students stand together for a photo outdoors. They pose in front of a mural that says "Welcome to Hawkins."
A van with "Surfer Bay Pizza" on the side is parked outside a building with a mural painted on it that says "Welcome to Hawkins."
Four people stand together for a photo outside a building. They pose next to a sign that says "Welcome to Hawkins."
Future Problem Solvers on the global stage! 🌎✨

Please help us congratulate these outstanding JEFCOED students on competing in the 2026 Future Problem Solving World Finals! Throughout the process, they worked diligently to find solutions to real-world problems, gaining invaluable skills along the way. Great job, everyone! 👏

Schools represented:
- Clay Elementary School
- Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School
- Mount Olive Elementary School
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A group of students wearing matching Alabama Future Problem Solvers shirts stand outdoors and smile for a photo. Their coaches stand with them and smile as well.
A group of students wearing matching gray shirts with the outline of the state of Alabama on them smile for a photo inside a building. They stand in front of a tri-fold poster board.
A group of students pose for a photo inside a building. They pose in front of a Future Problem Solving background.
A group of students wearing matching gray shirts with an outline of the state of Alabama on them pose for a photo outdoors on a college campus.
📌🗓️ JEFCOED Family, this is a reminder that the Signature Academy Late Application Window closes NEXT WEEK on Wednesday, July 1, 2026!

⁉️ Why apply? Signature Academies offer students hands-on, career-focused learning experiences in the fields they’re interested in. Participating in this coursework prepares them for a successful future in the workforce, at college, and other postsecondary pathways.

🔗 For more information and to access the application, click here: https://www.jefcoed.com/o/jcs/page/signature-academies
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces the JEFCOED Signature Academy late application window closes on July 1, 2026.
Today we celebrate freedom and the strength of those who came before us. ❤️ Happy Juneteenth, JEFCOED Family!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic celebrates the Juneteenth holiday.
👋 Hey JEFCOED Family! This is a reminder that all schools and offices will be closed Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19, 2026, in commemoration of Juneteenth. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus Monday, June 22, 2026. Enjoy your holiday weekend!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces all JEFCOED schools and offices will be closed on June 18 and 19 for Juneteenth.
Congratulations to Dr. Michael Cloninger on being named Principal of JCIB! Dr. Cloninger has served us first as our MYP Coordinator and most recently as our Assistant Principal.
about 2 months ago, JCIB
picture of new principal Dr. Cloninger
Help us celebrate excellence! Let’s hear it for our 2026 Technology Torchbearer Award winners! 🎉📱

Our recipients were nominated by their own colleagues for their outstanding ability to integrate technology, transform teaching, and inspire students daily. Thank you for your leadership, vision, and commitment to making learning engaging and exciting for our students! 💻✨

2026 Technology Torchbearer Award Recipients:

🏆 Anthonique (Skyi) Booker-Kenebrew | Clay-Chalkville High School
🏆 Claudette Black | Hueytown Primary School
🏆 Georgette Lester | Irondale Community School
🏆 Joy Martin | McAdory Elementary School
🏆 Eric Leslie | Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School

Drop a comment below to congratulate our 2026 Torchbearers! 👇👇
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic is a college of JEFCOED's Technology Torchbearer Award recipients posing with their awards.