Tami McCarver / Creek View Elementary
Tami McCarver is a first-grade teacher at Creek View Elementary, where she teaches all subject areas and cherishes the opportunity to build a “family of friends” in her classroom each year. Now in her 17th year of teaching—and 23 years in education including her early years as a bus driver and substitute—she has been part of Alabaster City Schools since its inception. A Midfield native, McCarver earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo and her master’s from the University of West Alabama. She loves helping students appreciate each other’s differences, fostering unity, and watching former students return to share their learning. McCarver was completely surprised when administrators walked into her classroom mid-lesson to announce she had been chosen as Creek View’s Teacher of the Year—a moment filled with happy tears and student applause. She is deeply motivated by the honor of working with children, meeting them where they are, and helping them grow both academically and personally. (Fun fact: she used to race on roller skates and bought a new pair for her 50th birthday—though her self-proclaimed clumsiness soon ended her comeback attempt.) She credits her supportive first-grade team for helping shape the teacher she is today.
Kayla Harris / Meadow View Elementary School
Kayla Harris is a kindergarten inclusion teacher at Meadow View Elementary and a member of the school’s math leadership team. She has spent all 13 years of her career serving Alabaster City Schools—the same system where she attended K–12. A graduate of the University of Montevallo and the University of West Alabama, with additional LETRS certification, Harris is passionate about the inclusivity of public education and the sense of community it creates. She cherishes the joyful moment her administration surprised her in her classroom to celebrate her selection as Teacher of the Year, a recognition she describes as deeply humbling—especially as her first-ever kindergarten class is graduating this year. Motivated by the equity, access, and potential she sees in every child, Harris is grateful for the chance to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. (Fun fact: she has never been on a plane!)
Anna Horton / Thompson Intermediate School
Anna Horton teaches fourth-grade reading at Thompson Intermediate School, where she also serves as a lead for the Sunshine Committee and the Homecoming Committee. She began her teaching career in Alabaster City Schools immediately after graduating from the University of Montevallo in December 2022, completing her internship at Creek View before accepting her first job at TIS. An Alabaster native and Thompson alum, Horton loves being part of a school system that works together to ensure students feel supported, welcomed, and successful in every area. She was surprised and deeply honored to be named TIS Teacher of the Year during the school’s Boosterthon kickoff pep rally—moments after participating in a relay event. Inspired by the teachers who shaped her own educational journey, Horton strives to make every student feel valued, known, and connected, even those she sees only in passing. (Fun fact: she comes from a large family of educators—her sister-in-law, Avery Horton, was Thompson High School’s Teacher of the Year last year.) Grateful to teach in Alabaster, Horton considers this recognition a true blessing.
Michael Chambless / Thompson Middle School
Michael Chambless is the band director at Thompson Middle School, where he leads the Symphonic Band and Concert Band 2, assists with Concert Band 1, and teaches beginning brass classes. Now in his 11th year in education—and his 10th with Alabaster City Schools—he previously taught middle school band in Tuscaloosa County. A Hoover native, Chambless holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama and a master’s in music education from Central Washington University. He treasures the opportunity to guide students as they discover the joy of making music and is grateful for ACS’s strong support of the arts and its state-of-the-art facilities. Being named TMS Teacher of the Year was especially meaningful as he shared the news with his students and families during a football game performance and again at the Fall Concert. Chambless describes the honor as humbling, crediting the achievement to the dedication and creativity of his students. Passionate about public education, he values its inclusivity and the lasting relationships formed through teaching. (Fun fact: he has an identical twin who is also a band teacher.)
Beverly Boy / Thompson High School
Beverly Boy serves as a Dual Enrollment English instructor at Thompson High School, where she teaches English 101, 102, 251, and 252, and also contributes as the Women’s Varsity Golf Coach, NHS adviser, and Scholars Bowl sponsor. With 23 years of experience in K–12 education—including service in Saraland City Schools and Decatur City Schools—she has spent the last decade proudly serving Alabaster City Schools. A Decatur native, Boy holds a Bachelor of Science from Athens State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Alabama. She values that her students come from all walks of life and appreciates ACS for building innovative programs like dual enrollment and supporting educators with the resources needed to help students thrive. Boy was surprised in her classroom by administrators presenting her Teacher of the Year award, a moment made special by sharing it with her students. Honored and humbled, she credits each student’s success—especially those who achieve their goals despite obstacles—as her greatest motivation. (Fun fact: she is a former state champion gymnast!)