Gulf Shores City School announces 2019 “Teacher of the Year” recipients

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The Gulf Shores City School System is pleased to announce the “Teacher of the Year” at each of

the three schools in the district. The three teachers are:

Gulf Shores Elementary School: Courtney Creel

Gulf Shores Middle School: Scott Prince

Gulf Shores High School: Jason Hill

Mrs. Courtney Creel teaches fourth grade at Gulf Shores Elementary and is a graduate of

Auburn University at Montgomery. She has been teaching in Gulf Shores for five years and currently serves as the chairperson for fourth grade.

Dr. Rachael McDaniel, GSES Principal said, “Courtney is an awesome teacher and a definite asset to Gulf Shores Elementary. She is involved in almost every arena of our school and her positive attitude and fun-loving spirit are contagious to her students and co-workers. She makes us all want to be better educators.”

Mrs. Creel was selected to attend the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, chosen to be a Lighthouse trainer for “The Leader in Me” program, and attended STEM coaching certification training sponsored by Exxon. She currently leads the STEM curriculum for Vacation Bible School at Gulf Shores Methodist Church.

Mr. Scott Prince is the pinnacle of 21st century teaching. His innovative ideas, engaging

personality, and ambitious attitude drive his students toward learning with energy and

enthusiasm.

Mr. Prince has been with Gulf Shores Middle School for three years, and during this

short time, he has brought great ideas and programs to our students. He started the Turbo

Dolphins Greenpower Program which earned the National Championship during its first year.

Scott includes a multitude of Makerspace and STEM ideas in his eighth grade science classroom to involve students in the learning process and reach students through hands-on learning. His dedication to learning his students’ abilities and needs empowers them to achieve success.

Mr. Prince is also extending his reach beyond his classroom through his work in the after-school

program where he teaches additional Greenpower and STEM classes to build student interest in

science and math. Mr. Prince is also looking to enhance his teaching practices and continue

professional growth through pursuing National Board Certification.

While teaching Honors and Advanced Placement Chemistry, Jason Hill, Gulf Shores High

School’s 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year, draws students in to take on the challenge with his

infectious personality and uncanny ability to relay the content in an understandable way.

Each day, students are greeted by Coach Hill in a lab coat and can expect an experiment with every lesson. He uses mnemonic devices, quick quips, and silly songs to help students remember the concepts and information to be successful in class. Whatever level the students are on, Coach

Hill will do what is necessary to elevate them. After teaching for 22 years, he is still able to bring his passion to the classroom and connect with students.

Outside the classroom, Coach Hill serves as offensive coordinator, track coach and athletic academic adviser.

Coach Hill says of his job as a teacher, “Teaching is not a job, it’s a mission. No other job has the trials and tribulations that we experience every day. However, where else can one have the opportunity to influence the many kids that we encounter. It is my prayer that every kid that I teach will experience the passion that I feel about my mission.”