Two Gulf Shores City School (GSCS) teachers are among the 16 finalists for the 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year, according to an announcement from the Alabama Department of Education.

By reaching this stage, Angela Kirby, who teaches sixth-grade math at Gulf Shores Middle School, and Kristen Madsen, who teaches culinary at Gulf Shores High School, have earned 2025-2026 District Teachers of the Year for Alabama.

“We are incredibly proud of Kristen Madsen and Angela Kirby for being named District I Teachers of the Year and representing Gulf Shores City Schools in Alabama’s State Teacher of the Year program,” said GSCS Superintendent Matt Akin. “Their selection as part of the Sweet 16 is a testament not only to their individual excellence but also to the culture of innovation, collaboration and high expectations we strive to foster across our district.”

With their achievement, GSCS won both Elementary and Secondary spots for District I, which is made up of Baldwin, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia and parts of Mobile counties.

According to the Alabama State Department of Education website, Alabama is separated into eight districts that cover different areas of the state. GSCS is one of 16 school systems in District I, which covers most of the southern part of the state.

Other school systems in District I include Andalusia City, Baldwin County, Brewton City, Butler County, Coffee County, Conecuh County, Covenant Academy of Mobile, Covington County, Crenshaw County, Elba City, Enterprise City, Escambia County, MAEF Charters, Mobile County, Opp City and Orange Beach City.

Gulf Shores Middle and High School make up two of the 156 individual schools in the district.

The announcement from the State Department of Education said the 16 finalists were selected from 155 Alabama educators recommended by “district superintendents, principals and colleagues” and underwent the “rigorous Alabama Teacher of the Year application process.”

“The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program salutes outstanding educators for their commitment to student learning and exemplary service in schools,” the announcement reads. “… Each of these nominees excels both in the classroom and in the teaching profession.”

Kirby said, “I’m honored, very humbled and very happy. I appreciate the staff at Gulf Shores City Schools. … Everyone’s hard-working and creative. I am surrounded by people who are innovative and support these kids.”

Madsen said, “It took a while for it to sink in and seem real. I was not expecting to win at all. There are so many amazing teachers in district one. … As a teacher, you hope that the work you are doing makes a difference with your students. It feels incredibly rewarding when your hard work is recognized in such a meaningful way.”

This is the first year Kirby and Madsen have earned the achievement of Alabama Teacher of the Year.

Kirby explained to Gulf Coast Media how she was chosen as District I Elementary Teacher of the Year, even though she works in the middle school. GSCS considers grade 6 to be at the middle school level while the state considers it to still be elementary. Since she teaches sixth-grade math she qualifies at the state-level for District I Elementary Teacher of the Year.

This story was updated April 11, 2025.