Three South Graduates Named Teachers of the Year

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Posted on February 18, 2025

Kerry Cohen

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All three teachers recognized by Mobile County Public Schools as its 2025 Teachers of the Year earned degrees from the University of South Alabama. A committee selected the winners — Krissy Brown, elementary school Teacher of the Year; Justine Wilson, middle school Teacher of the Year; and Roseann Byrd, high school Teacher of the Year — and will forward their applications to be considered by the state for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year recognition. 

A fourth educator and South alumna, Nicole Bolton, is a recent recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. 

“The teachers exemplify South’s commitment to educational excellence and community impact,” said Dr. Angela Barlow, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. 

Said Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill: “These outstanding educators have done an exceptional job in the classroom and beyond. The honors are a reflection of their training and education as well as tangible recognition of their dedication to student achievement and success.” 

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. 

A computer science and STEM teacher at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, Bolton was selected after advancing as a state finalist in 2022. She will receive a certificate signed by the President and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and she will attend an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this spring. Bolton earned both her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and Master’s of Education in educational media from the University of South Alabama. 

“Being a proud graduate of South Alabama, I carry the values of excellence, innovation, and community into my classroom every day,” Bolton said. “This award belongs to our students as much as it does to me, for it is their greatness that I am fortunate enough to showcase and nurture.”

The Mobile County teachers of the year are: 

Krissy Brown — Mobile County Elementary School Teacher of the Year A fourth-grade educator at Gilliard Elementary School since 2022, Brown is shaping young minds through her leadership and dedication to mathematics and STEM education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in collaborative K-6 elementary and special education from the University of South Alabama. 

“I believe every student has the potential to succeed,” Brown said. “I strive to make lasting impacts on students' lives by nurturing their potential with love, guidance and support. It is truly an honor to serve daily in my classroom and county. I look forward to many more years of service educating our future generations.” 

Justine Wilson — Mobile County Middle School Teacher of the Year For 13 years, Wilson has brought U.S. history to life for her students, serving as a dedicated educator at Grand Bay Middle School. Wilson discovered her love of history through her school’s gifted program, inspiring her to earn a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education from the University of South Alabama. She later became a gifted education specialist, helping shape curriculum and foster a love of learning in advanced students. 

"I believe all students are capable of learning and strive to create an inclusive, engaging environment where we explore history, think critically, develop empathy, and connect the past to our own lives,” shared Wilson. “As teachers, we have the opportunity to make all students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Education is an investment in our future, and it is a joy to see students grow and find their place in our collective world story." 

Roseann Byrd — Mobile County High School Teacher of the Year For nearly two decades, Byrd has helped shape the next generation of leaders. A Citronelle High School educator for 11 years, she teaches advanced placement U.S. history, psychology, and American government and politics, while also holding leadership roles throughout the School. 

Byrd shared, “To be an educator is to embrace the ever-evolving nature of our field with courage and hope. The work we do is more than a career—it is a mission that changes lives, shapes communities, and creates possibilities for generations to come.” 

Roseann Byrd earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education from the University of South Alabama and a Master’s of Education from the University of West Alabama. She is pursuing an educational specialist certification in educational leadership.

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