Each school in the Mountain Brook City Schools district has named its Teacher of the Year for the 2021-22 school year. Out of the teachers awarded, two were selected as District Teachers of the Year.
The Elementary District Teacher of the Year was awarded to Laura Rives, and the Secondary District Teacher of the Year was granted to Tami Genry.
Laura Rives
Laura Rives has been a third grade teacher at Crestline Elementary for 11 years. Rives received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and has a master’s in elementary technology education.
She loves helping students achieve their full potential and explore their dreams, according to a statement from the school system. Rives also strives to guide her students and develop them into confident learners, compassionate friends and community leaders, the statement said.
“Laura Rives is the epitome of a true educator,” said Crestline Principal Christy Christian. “Not only does she challenge herself to continuously grow in her craft, she also holds that same expectation for her students daily. She partners alongside students and families to build a community that is collaborative, curious, vulnerable, risk-taking and engaging.”
Tami Genry
Tami Genry is in her fifth year as librarian at Mountain Brook Junior High. Genry attended the University of Montevallo, where she earned her bachelor’s in elementary education, and then the University of Alabama, where she earned her master’s in library and information science.
Genry uses a variety of teaching strategies to challenge and engage students to increase learning. She enjoys professional development, travel, spending time with family and a good cup of coffee, according to the statement.
“I’ve never seen a librarian have as much impact on the entire school as Tami does,” MBJH Principal Donald Clayton said. “Not only does she effectively manage a quality library that functions as a safe place for students, but she is also active in making sure MBJH is successful in all areas.”
Other Teachers of the Year
Others named Teachers of the Year were Whitney Babatunde of Cherokee Bend Elementary; Kristi Moncrief of Brookwood Forest Elementary; Allyson Martin of Mountain Brook Elementary; and Ashley Van Beek of Mountain Brook High.
