ACS — Alabaster City Schools has officially announced its Teachers of the Year for the 2026-2027 School Year. Spanning from kindergarten through high school, these educators represent the highest standards of academic excellence, leadership, and mentorship across the district's campuses.
Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers and other district leaders made surprise visits to each school on October 22, 2026, to make the announcements.
“Our Teachers of the Year represent the very best of Alabaster City Schools. Each of these educators makes a lasting impact on students, not only through their instruction, but also through the relationships they build and the leadership they provide. We are proud to recognize their dedication to our students and grateful for the difference they make in our schools every day," Dr. Vickers said.
Later this school year, the district will select an ACS Elementary Teacher of the Year and an ACS Secondary Teacher of the Year, with honorees advancing to compete for Alabama Teacher of the Year through the Alabama State Department of Education.
Creek View Elementary School (CVES): Heather Sabo
Heather Sabo is a Kindergarten teacher with 22 years in education, including nine years at Alabaster City Schools (ACS) and CVES. She serves on the ACS Reading Committees, the CVES Leadership Team, and acts as the Kindergarten grade-level chair. Sabo has actively supported the growth of future educators by mentoring first- and second-year teachers and serving as a cooperating teacher for multiple student teachers.
Meadow View Elementary School (MVES): Dennis Jones
Celebrating his 35th year of teaching, Dennis Jones is a music teacher who leads the Meadow View Singers. These students perform for Veterans Day, Christmas, and spring showcases, as well as a 2nd grade patriotic performance. Jones also serves on the leadership team and acts as a cooperating teacher for music interns.
Thompson Intermediate School (TIS): Cheryl Dominguez
Cheryl Dominguez is a 5th grade reading teacher who has dedicated many years to ACS. Her leadership roles include serving on the reading leadership team, acting as a grade-level leader, and working as an ACS teacher mentor. Additionally, she sponsors the student council and is a university intern recipient.
Thompson Middle School (TMS): Michael Wilbanks
Michael Wilbanks teaches 8th Grade Gifted English Language Arts and has been in education for three decades. Named the 2021-2022 Alabama Association of Gifted Children Teacher of the Year, Wilbanks serves as a TMS Game Changers committee member. He has an extensive extracurricular coaching record, including 25 years as the TMS/JV soccer head coach (securing more than 250 wins), 20 years with the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), 11 years with the Scholars Bowl, and four years coaching bowling.
Thompson High School (THS): Michelle McGraw
Michelle McGraw is a Visual Arts teacher with 20 years of service in education. In addition to teaching art at Thompson High and the Warrior Center, she is a Peer Helpers sponsor and a member of the Visible Learning committee. McGraw also received the Alabama Arts Initiative grant to successfully integrate technology into the THS arts program.