I believe each person is born with a purpose in life, and I’ve always felt that teaching is mine. Over the past 12 years, I have been blessed to teach science to sixth graders, with a focus on building relationships and setting high expectations in a high-energy and positive environment. Winning this award further encourages me that I’m living my life’s purpose. I am grateful for the love and support of my family, colleagues, and students who have helped me become the educator I am today.

Kevin Pughsley Birmingham, AL | K-6, Science, 2018

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Kevin Pughsley has been an educator for 12 years, teaching sixth grade Earth Science. He currently teaches at Berry Middle School in the Hoover City School System and previously spent 10 years teaching at Calera Middle School in the Shelby County School System. Kevin's desire for reaching all students is evident in his practice of surveying his students every nine weeks. The survey asks students to provide feedback on his effectiveness as a teacher, their interest in future labs, and how they value the activities completed to-date. This surveying practice has inspired fellow teachers throughout the school to incorporate student surveys into their classroom to gain feedback and improve effectiveness. Over the past few years, he has led and planned field trips to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each trip allows over 100 sixth grade students to gain first-hand experience and the ability to connect with the material they have studied throughout the year, especially as it relates to space exploration. As a consultant for A-Plus College Ready, Kevin writes curriculum and teaches summer sessions to earth science teachers across the state of Alabama. The program's goal is to foster an innovative culture for teachers and to equip and empower them to expect more. Kevin earned a B.A. in elementary education and a M.Ed. from Samford University. He is a certified elementary school teacher.

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