‘Teacher of the Year’ at Columbia awarded to Alisha Mayfield
MADISON – Since working at Columbia Elementary School, Alisha Mayfield committed to learning and growth – not just for herself but also for coworkers. Mayfield is Columbia’s “Teacher of the Year.”
Mayfield was overwhelmed and completely surprised about her honor. “It’s such an incredible honor. I felt truly humbled knowing that this recognition came from my colleagues,” she said.
Mayfield has taught at Columbia for 10 years: fourth-grade science and social studies, three years; and third grade, seven years.
“I earned my degree after having four children, all of whom attended Madison City Schools. I knew this school system would be a great fit for me and my family because of its strong commitment to community and academic excellence,” Mayfield said.
Mayfield actively seeks professional learning and training opportunities, always intending to bring back strategies and resources to benefit both her students and colleagues. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of that work reflected in student growth and just as meaningful to witness my colleagues grow in confidence and effectiveness through shared collaboration,” she said.
“Being able to support others and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement at Columbia is something that brings me special pride,” Mayfield said.
“As a teacher, we wear an incredible amount of hats. When I teach a student how to correctly use a broom, or we have a good talk about how to be a friend, when a student has something hard going on in their life and I take time to just give them a hug, when I toss a frisbee or play tag with the kids, I come away from those interactions knowing I made a difference . . . I did the right thing,” Mayfield said.
“When I have hard conversations with parents and we partner together to help their child, or I give encouragement and support to a colleague, I know I did the right thing,” Mayfield said. “When my students accomplish hard things, when we work hard on a difficult concept and they finally gain understanding and confidence, I know I did the right thing.”
Majoring in elementary education, Mayfield earned a bachelor’s degree from Athens State University and a master’s degree from the University of West Alabama.
Her husband, Nate Mayfield, works as a contract salesman at Bob Wallace Appliance. The Mayfields have four children who enrolled at Bob Jones High School. Carden of Madison is a respite care provider. Emerson of Madison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Athens State University and works for Barksdale Dental Lab. Nathan is serving a two-year mission in Idaho Falls, Idaho for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kenadie is an incoming senior at Bob Jones.
“I’m the oldest of eight children; my siblings are some of my best friends! They now live all over the country, but we work hard to spend time together regularly,” Alisha said.
Her pastimes include exercising, reading, watercolor painting and tackling home projects.
