Grizzle named State Teacher of the Year

Dr. Alison Grizzle, a West Homewood resident, was named State Teacher of the Year at a ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Department of Education on May 8.

Grizzle was chosen after an extensive interview process by the state judging committee.

She teaches math at Jackson-Olin High. THhe 14-year veteran teacher of Birmingham schools  grew up in Homewood and graduated from Homewood High in 1993.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice announced Grizzle was chosen to serve as the official spokesperson and representative for teachers in Alabama for the next year near the end of a celebration honoring the 12 semi-finalists and four finalists who were nominated for the coveted title. The awards ceremony is held annually in recognition of these teachers’ dedication to education in Alabama public schools.

“We are excited about Dr. Alison Grizzle being named Alabama Teacher of the Year. She embodies all of the qualities I think of when I use the term teacher,” Bice said. “She has chosen a career path of service to those most in need and continues to make a difference in the lives of her students each and every day. We who share the title of teacher are honored to have her represent our profession throughout the coming year.”

After graduating from Denison University with degrees in mathematics and English, Grizzle decided not to pursue a career as a financial analyst and followed her heart by entering the world of education. She has taught math in Birmingham City Schools since 1999 and chose to teach in high-needs schools because she believes urban districts often have more difficulty attaining and retaining good teachers.

She is a National Board Certified teacher who earned her doctorate degree at Walden University. Her greatest rewards come at the end of the school year when students receive their graduation exam results.

“My students come running and screaming with hugs and tears and are ecstatic to see the word ‘pass’ by mathematics. It is that day I see the fruits of my labor,” she said.

Grizzle said she is always looking for ways to help her students conquer their fear of mathematics and achieve success in her class. Over the last several years, Grizzle’s students have averaged an 85 percent pass rate on the mathematics portion of the high school exit exam, including her students with special needs.

“I have yet to leave school saying, ‘Today all of my students’ lives were enriched because they had me as a teacher.’ Every day that I leave school, I know that I can always change something to engage more students and impact their learning more effectively,” she said.

The selection process for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year begins at the school system level. Each school system can nominate an elementary and secondary teacher at the district level. One elementary teacher and one secondary teacher are selected from each of the eight state Board of Education districts. A state selection committee selects four teachers from the 16 district finalists to be interviewed for the titles Alabama Teacher of the Year and Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Grizzle will spend much of the 2013-2014 school year serving as an ambassador for public education and the teaching profession. Grizzle automatically becomes Alabama’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.