Orange Beach City Schools announce 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year

BY RUTH MAYO
Reporter
ruth@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 12/19/24

ORANGE BEACH — In surprise classroom visits from Superintendent Randy Wilkes, Svea Tierce and Morgan Soutullo were named 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year at Orange Beach City Schools on Dec. 10.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Orange Beach City Schools announce 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year

Posted

ORANGE BEACH — In surprise classroom visits from Superintendent Randy Wilkes, Svea Tierce and Morgan Soutullo were named 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year at Orange Beach City Schools on Dec. 10.

"It is a truly amazing feeling to be named Teacher of the Year," said Soutullo, who won Secondary Teacher of the Year. "It is very humbling to know that my dedication to my students and hard work are being recognized."

Tierce, who won Elementary Teacher of the Year, said this award was "a tremendous honor" and that receiving it was "an unbelievable moment" that she is still trying to process.

For both teachers, this was the first time they have won Teacher of the Year. Soutullo has taught for OBCS for three years with 18 years of teaching overall. Tierce has taught at Orange Beach Elementary (OBE) for four years and was working when the school transitioned into a city school system.

Soutullo said her favorite part of the workday are her students at Orange Beach Middle/High School (OBMHS).

"They bring enthusiasm, determination and unique perspectives to the classroom," Soutullo said. "I love building relationships with them and creating a space where they can ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them."

Tierce said her favorite part of working at OBE is "the community and parental involvement. There is a family environment at school and everyone is happy. It feels like home."

According to an OBCS press release, Soutullo teaches honors chemistry, AP chemistry and AP environmental science. The release also stated she recently was recognized for having 90% of her students earn qualifying AP exam scores, which was the highest percentage across the school system.

The press release also stated Tierce uses an innovative teaching method at OBE with "desk pets" where students can earn their own "pets" as well as supplies to care for them in exchange for good behavior and academic engagement. This approach teaches responsibility and encourages academic achievement for the students.

As both 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year were nominated and voted on by their coworkers, Soutullo and Tierce both were appreciative of the staff they work with at OBCS.

"Every day at OBMHS, I get to work with exceptional students, supportive families and a fantastic team of colleagues," Soutullo said. "I am so proud to be part of such an inspiring community that values education, growth and excellence."

"I am thankful for my coworkers, our administration team and our coaching team who have every student's best interest in mind," Tierce said. "The all-around support is uplifting and we are fortunate to have so many resources."

Both teachers will be celebrated at the Legacy Awards Banquet at the Orange Beach Event Center, located at 4671 Wharf Parkway, on Jan. 30, 2025.