Elementary Teacher of the Year: Sharya Aaron, Sun Valley Elementary School

Mrs. Sharya Aaron's goal as an educator is to inspire, support, and lead by example. She strives daily to build leaders for the future by shaping and molding young minds in a safe and nurturing environment.

Mrs. Aaron is a graduate from Jess Lanier High School (JLHS). Mrs. Aaron began her professional career at Lawson State Community College, earning an associate degree in Pre-Teacher Education, then transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to earn her Bachelor of Science degree and certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She would later earn her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University, and concluded her formal educational journey earning both Masters and Ed.S. degrees and certification in Instructional Leadership. Throughout her eighteen-year career, Mrs. Aaron has served the students of Birmingham City Schools as a Kindergarten and Second Grade Teacher. She now serves as Local Reading Specialist. Her passion for education is evident in the way that she supports her colleagues and students every day.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Aaron enjoys spending time with family, serving at church, sewing and reading. She is supported by her loving husband, two beautiful children, family and close friends.

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Dr. Sarah Moland, P.D. Jackson-Olin High School

Dr. Sarah Moland is an author and high school Family and Consumer Science teacher, FCCLA Advisor a Work Based Learning Coordinator at Jackson-Olin High School. She has been teaching for 21 years. She is a member of the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education. She is also the author of the book "I Don't Have To Wash Dishes DIET" a 40 days and 40 nights weight loss challenge.

Dr. Moland earned her BS in Fashion Merchandising from Alabama A&M University, a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction/Technology and a Ed.D in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ.

Dr. Moland has served on numerous committees over the past two decades and won many awards in credentialing students, attendance, volunteering to test students and creative contests. Dr. Moland is passionate about teaching her gift to sew, helping people and encouraging students to get involved in school activities. She has recruited a record number of 57 students this year to become a member of FCCLA.

When she is not teaching, Sarah enjoys Taco Tuesday night with her family and friends, cooking new plant-based meals, writing books, yoga, hiking, sewing, and going to the beach.

L. M. Smith Middle School

L. M. Smith Middle School

Meet Our 2024 Teachers of the Year