CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman City Schools has named its 2024 Teachers of the Year, honoring some of the best educators across the district for their innovation and commitment to young learners.
The 2024 Teachers of the Year include Keli Thrasher at Cullman City Primary School, April Dean at East Elementary School, Meaghan Britton at West Elementary School, Michael Crocker at Cullman Middle School and Caroline Lunsford at Cullman High School.
“The Cullman City School System is one of 11 school systems with all A’s on the State Report Card. Our schools receive recognition for academic achievement from the United States Department of Education, the State Department of Education and from our local government and city leaders,” Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said. “None of this is possible without dedicated teachers who love their content, love their students, and love their schools. These five educators are a good representation of the amazing teachers we have in our schools.”
Keli Thrasher and family
Thrasher is a kindergarten teacher at CCPS, and began her teaching career at CCPS more than two decades ago in 2002. She is a University of North Alabama (UNA) graduate.
“The blessings I have received from being a part of Cullman City Schools are immeasurable. I firmly believe that the influence of a teacher can never be erased,” Thrasher said. “The faculty and staff at Cullman City Primary School do their best each and every day to make each child feel loved, encouraged and empowered.”
April Dean
Dean is a fourth-grade teacher at East Elementary School, in her sixth year of teaching at EES and 19th year overall.
“The hallways of East Elementary are lined with Alabama’s best teachers, and I am blessed to work alongside them,” Dean said. “It’s my honor to represent my friends at East as Teacher of the Year 2024-2025.”
Meaghan Britton
Britton is a sixth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at West Elementary School. She is a former Cullman City Schools student, and graduate of Athens State University and the University of West Alabama.
“Being named Teacher of the Year at West Elementary School is not just an honor; it reminds us of the impact we, as educators, make every day,” Britton said. “It reflects the dedication of each Cullman City Schools employee and the joy of watching our students grow and accomplish their goals. This recognition fuels my passion to inspire and empower the next generation.”
Michael Crocker
Crocker is a seventh-grade math teacher at Cullman Middle School, and noted he is “truly lucky” to be honored among such a talented staff of teachers.
“I was surprised and humbled by the recognition from my peers, especially in light of how many great educators teach and work here,” he said. “Cullman City Schools puts the students and education as its highest priority and that makes it easy to come to work each day. I can’t imagine doing anything else than helping these young adults realize and reach their potential, dreams and goals.”
Caroline Lunsford
Lunsford is an English and reading teacher at Cullman High School, and graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I teach among so many dedicated and effective teachers; therefore, I am very honored and humbled to be named Cullman High School’s Teacher of the Year,” Lunsford said. “I am grateful for supportive administrators who make it easy to do my job, for colleagues who make coming to work enjoyable and for students who rise to meet challenges, both in and out of the classroom, each day.”
