Two Vestavia Hills teachers among Alabama Teacher of the Year finalists
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (VHCS) — Two Vestavia Hills teachers are now finalists for the state’s highest teaching honor.
The Alabama State Department of Education today announced its list of 16 finalists for the 2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year award. Among the finalists are Katie Smith and Hannah Peterson, both of whom teach in Vestavia Hills City Schools.
It is the first time in the school system’s history that both of its district Teachers of the Year have been named state finalists in the same year.
Smith, the 2025-26 VHCS Elementary Teacher of the Year, has taught fifth grade at Vestavia Hills Elementary East since 2020 and brings 14 years of classroom experience to her work. She holds a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama and recently earned National Board Certification. A frequent presenter at state and national education conferences, Smith has been recognized for her work in student engagement, small group instruction, and school culture. Smith was named Tuscaloosa County Schools’ Teacher of the Year in 2020.
Peterson, the VHCS Secondary Teacher of the Year, has taught health sciences at Vestavia Hills High School since 2015. She leads a program spanning foundations of health science, sports medicine, and a clinical internship course that places seniors in real healthcare settings. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Columbus State University and is a licensed and nationally certified athletic trainer who also serves as the school’s head athletic trainer. Peterson chairs the Alabama Athletic Trainers Association Secondary Advisory Council and advises the school’s HOSA Future Medical Professionals chapter. She was named Alabama Athletic Trainer of the Year for Secondary Schools in 2016.
“I am thrilled that Ms. Peterson and Ms. Smith are being recognized for being outstanding teachers,” Vestavia Hills superintendent Todd Freeman said today. “They are great examples of elite professionals committed to excellence. When you visit their classrooms, you can literally feel the energy and excitement that students have about learning. Hannah and Katie love every child who comes into their classrooms and are dedicated to each one of them being successful.”
The 2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced in May.
PHOTO 1: Alabama Teacher of the Year finalist Katie Smith pictured with her fifth grade class at Vestavia Hills Elementary East. PHOTO 2: Alabama Teacher of the Year finalist Hannah Peterson pictured with the Vestavia Hills High School administrative team.