Heritage decides on Gibbs as top teacher

MADISON – Active in/out the classroom, the grounds and the airwaves, Rachel Gibbs is 2019 “Teacher of the Year” at Heritage Elementary School.

Gibbs and her partner teacher provide collaborative services to classroom teachers to confirm that all students are challenged appropriately. “(We) organize the ‘Heritage Morning Show’ and developed a partnership with Alabama Wildlife Foundation to build an Outdoor Classroom space,” she said.

For four years, Gibbs has coached teams for Heritage’s LEGO Robotics and Destination Imagination.

Gibbs has mentored National Board Certification candidates, served with Leader in Me Lighthouse Team and led training sessions in creativity for Advanced Academic Resource Teachers. She has presented at Alabama Association for Gifted Children Conference and serves as a webmaster for Heritage.

At Jacksonville State University, she completed bachelor and master’s degrees in elementary education. She received a master’s degree in gifted education from Samford University. Recently, Gibbs earned National Board Certified Teacher credentials.

Gibbs first taught in Calhoun County and Jacksonville. In Madison, “I was an itinerant gifted specialist between Heritage and Rainbow Elementary. I’ve taught at Heritage Elementary for five years as gifted specialist for grades 3-6,” she said.  

“One of the most outstanding teachers from childhood is Pam Donahue, my gifted teacher in middle school,” Gibbs said. “Mrs. Donahue always encouraged her students to challenge themselves and be creative. She set high expectations for us and introduced new and exciting learning opportunities every day. The books I read in her class are still my favorites.”

“I strive to offer the same kind of opportunities for my own students. I want their experience in gifted class to be unforgettable and meaningful,” Gibbs said. “I want to prepare my students to live up to their potential and chase their passions just like Mrs. Donahue did for me.”

Gibbs’ husband Justin works at Jerry Damson Honda. “Our daughter Audrey is one year old and our greatest happiness,” Rachel said.

Away from work, Gibbs likes beach vacations, time outdoors, visits to historical sites and relaxing with her family, especially Audrey. “I also love to read, and I’m a Netflix addict,” Rachel said. “I love to dance. I’ve danced since the age of 8 and was Head Ballerina for the Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State.”

She also loves musicals, with “Wicked” as her favorite.