Each month, the Birmingham Board of Education recognizes the employees who go above and beyond the call of duty to make the district a better place, even when no one is looking.
These employees are critical to establishing and maintaining a positive culture and a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. They inspire their colleagues and our students to pursue excellence, serve others, and collaborate effectively towards common goals.
During its regularly scheduled board meeting on June 16, the board recognized the following:
Jennifer Taylor, Database Manager, Hayes K-8 School
In her role, Mrs. Taylor interacts daily with parents, students, and colleagues. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, patience, and a genuine willingness to help others. No matter how busy the office may be, she greets everyone with a warm smile and a welcoming attitude that immediately makes people feel comfortable and respected.
Mrs. Taylor plays an important role in keeping the school running smoothly. She is always ready to assist parents with questions, support staff with important information, and help students find the guidance they need. Her ability to remain organized, responsive, and positive in a fast-paced environment truly reflects her commitment to serving others.
Mrs. Taylor stands out not only for her efficiency and reliability, but also for the kindness and care she shows to everyone she encounters. She represents Hayes K-8 with pride and professionalism, and her daily work helps create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for our entire school community.
Roderick Womack, Head Custodian of the Lincoln Center
Mr. Womack consistently demonstrates an exceptional work ethic, enthusiasm, and professionalism in every aspect of his role. His warm and welcoming personality creates a positive environment for both customers and staff, and he takes great pride in ensuring that the Lincoln Center remains clean, safe, and inviting each day.
What truly sets him apart is his commitment to going above and beyond expectations. He is always willing to assist wherever needed, often anticipating needs before they arise. Whether maintaining the facility to the highest standards or helping customers with a friendly smile and positive attitude, he consistently delivers outstanding service. Mr. Womack greets visitors warmly and treats everyone with respect and courtesy. His dedication to customer satisfaction reflects positively on the Lincoln Center and contributes significantly to the positive experience of everyone who visits our facility.Womack's reliability, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him highly deserving of this recognition.
His daily efforts exemplify the highest standards of customer service, and he serves as an outstanding representative of the Lincoln Center.I am proud to nominate Roderick Womack for this well-deserved recognition and wholeheartedly recommend him for this honor.
Terrance Cooke, Teacher, Hayes K-8 School
Terrance Cooke is in his third year with Hayes K-8 and continues to show true dedication to the betterment of our students, school, and community. His efforts in the classroom, audio/visual department, social media, and student activities have revitalized the spirit of Hayes. Through his collaborative efforts our students are provided with experiences that will better themselves and the community on the path to a better tomorrow. He fosters an inclusive environment in the classroom that supports and promotes the skill set of every student. Through his innovative approach to incorporating technology, learning centers, and textual analysis, his students continually show tremendous gains.
Mr. Cooke has also spearheaded the revamping of our school-wide audio/visual and social media departments. Under his direction, we now have a popular YouTube channel that is the home for our sporting events, seasonal programs, morning announcements, and student produced podcasts. To support and drive content for this medium, Mr. Cooke has formed a production club that is responsible for all aspects of the content production. By sharing his in-depth knowledge of production and guiding the club members, Mr. Cooke is giving Hayes students a skill base that can lead to real-world success.
Perhaps most impactful are his contributions to our student activities. He is our leading supporter of the Social Justice Fair and even guided a student to a first place finish in 2023. Mr. Cooke has worked collaboratively with various government entities and other teachers to provide our students with field trip opportunities that can help bridge socio-economic gaps. He was integral in bringing back the Student Government Association to Hayes. As a member of the Nation Council for Social Studies, he has partnered with other teachers to launch Alabama’s first Junior Rho Kappa chapter (NCSS National Honor Society for Middle School Social Studies).
Mr. Cooke is always setting the pace. As a social studies and media expert, he has hosted numerous professional development activities for Hayes and BCS. He regularly mentors new teachers and anyone in need of assistance or collaboration. Terrance Cooke is a prime example of everything that is good in education and a true asset to Hayes and the community of Birmingham.