Each month, the Birmingham Board of Education recognizes the employees who go above and beyond the call of duty to make the district a better place, even when no one is looking.
These employees are critical to establishing and maintaining a positive culture and a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. They inspire their colleagues and our students to pursue excellence, serve others, and collaborate effectively towards common goals.
During its regularly scheduled board meeting on November 12, the board recognized the following employees…
Briana Leonard-Lott, Teacher, West End Academy
It is my honor to nominate Ms. Briana Leonard-Lott (West End Academy) for the Caught Being Great Award. During my recent visit to her 2nd grade classroom, I witnessed a dynamic, nurturing environment that radiated structure, joy, and purpose. From the moment I entered the room, it was evident that Ms. Leonard-Lott has built a culture rooted in consistency, positivity, and engagement — one where students know exactly what to expect, feel emotionally safe, and are motivated to learn at their highest potential.
Her classroom operates with tight, predictable routines that create a calm and orderly atmosphere.Students transition seamlessly from one activity to the next, demonstrating ownership of the learning environment.Throughout instruction, Ms. Leonard-Lott uses positive praise and behavior-specific feedback, calling out students by name to recognize their effort and positive choices. This constant reinforcement builds a culture of respect, encouragement, and accountability. Ms. Leonard-Lott incorporates affirmations into her classroom culture, empowering students to speak positively about themselves and reject negative self-talk.
What stands out most about Ms. Leonard-Lott's teaching is her active supervision and intentional presence. She moves throughout the classroom with purpose, supporting students and maintaining engagement from every corner. She has even established a calming routine within the room — a thoughtful refuge that allows students to self-regulate and return to learning quickly. She frequently employs precorrection and prompting strategies to prevent disruptions before they occur, and when challenges arise, she handles them with low-level responses and restorative quick chats that preserve students' dignity while keeping learning moving forward. Her instruction is high-quality, standards-aligned, and differentiated, ensuring that every child's academic and emotional needs are met.
Ms. Leonard-Lott exemplifies the very essence of this award. She is responsive, respectful, and attentive to her students. Simply put, Ms. Briana Leonard-Lott is AWESOME. She is a true champion for our students' hearts and minds, and a shining example of the excellence that defines Birmingham City Schools.
Nominated by: Laneaka Turner-Miller, Ed.S., School Psychologist, Birmingham City Schools
Geortez Jackson, School Secretary, Jones Valley Middle School
In Birmingham City Schools, excellent customer service is a cornerstone of the district's commitment to creating and sustaining a positive school culture and climate. A positive and supportive environment is key to guiding students to achieve excellence in a safe, secure, and nurturing setting. With this in mind, the district has established the Customer Service Excellence Award to recognize employees who exemplify the highest standards of customer service.
Responsiveness: Geortez consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of responsiveness in his daily duties. Whether it's answering phone calls, emails, or assisting walk-in visitors, he handles all inquiries with promptness and efficiency. His ability to prioritize tasks ensures that no matter how busy the day gets, students, staff, and parents receive the support they need in a timely manner.
Respectfulness: Every interaction Geortez has is characterized by respect and kindness. Whether he's greeting a student with a warm smile or addressing a parent's concern, he shows that he values each individual. His respectful approach fosters a sense of trust and openness in the school community, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and heard.
Collaboration: Geortez is a true team player at Jones Valley Middle School. He works closely with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to ensure the school operates smoothly and effectively. Whether he's coordinating schedules, supporting events, or assisting with special initiatives, Geortez collaborative spirit is evident in his willingness to help out wherever necessary. His approach ensures that the school community functions harmoniously, and all members are supported in their roles.
Competence: As the school's secretary, Geortez demonstrates an exceptional level of competence in his role. He efficiently manages administrative tasks, coordinates communications, and provides support to the school's leadership team. His organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that the school operates seamlessly, making it possible for students and staff to focus on what matters most—learning and teaching.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to customer service at Jones Valley Middle School, Geortez Jackson is highly deserving of the Customer Service Excellence Award. His consistent demonstration of responsiveness, respectfulness, collaboration, and competence not only enhances the daily operations of the school but also helps to establish the positive and nurturing environment essential for student success.
Geortez Jackson's exceptional service is a shining example of how excellent customer service within Birmingham City Schools can directly impact the overall school climate and culture. His dedication is a testament to the importance of every member of the school community in contributing to the district's mission of fostering excellence in education.
Nominated by: Arethia Mayberry, Professional School Counselor, Jones Valley Middle School
Ms. KeAndria Green, Community School Coordinator, West End Academy
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I nominate Ms. KeAndria Green for the Performance
Excellence Award. Ms. Green embodies the spirit of this honor through her unwavering commitment to personal excellence, service to others, and collaborative leadership that inspires all who have the privilege of working alongside her.
Since stepping into her role as Community School Coordinator at West End Academy, Ms. Green has truly thrown herself into the work with unmatched dedication. As a self-starter and a natural go-getter, she approaches every task with purpose, excellence, and an authentic heart for the scholars, families, faculty, and staff she serves. She recognizes that this work is not just a job, but a calling— and her actions reflect that daily.
Ms. Green has quickly become a trusted support for scholars who need a listening ear, a resource, or simply someone to believe in them. She has built meaningful connections with families, earning their trust through her compassion, consistency, and genuine desire to help remove barriers to student success. Her colleagues also view her as a pillar of support, often
turning to her for guidance, encouragement, or a thoughtful perspective.
Her pursuit of excellence is evident in her constant desire to learn and grow. She actively seeks out professional development opportunities, participates in trainings, and asks thoughtful
questions to deepen her understanding and sharpen her craft. This drive not only enhances her work, but also enriches the entire school community as she generously shares knowledge and solutions with others.
Beyond her impressive work ethic and initiative, Ms. Green leads with heart. Her impact can be
seen in the renewed hope of families, the improved engagement of students, and the
strengthened sense of community at West End Academy. Through her leadership, she has
contributed to a culture of support, collaboration, and excellence-creating a ripple effect that
extends far beyond her daily responsibilities.
Ms. KeAndria Green is a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose, integrity, and deep commitment. She inspires excellence not only through her results, but through her character, compassion, and unwavering belief in the potential of every scholar and family she
encounters.
For these reasons and many more, I give my highest recommendation for Ms. Green's selection as the recipient of the Performance Excellence Award. She is truly deserving of this honor.
Nominated by: Devon Frazier, BCS Community Schools Lead Specialist, Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement