Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
MADISON – As an educator, Karen Price constantly strives ‘to do the right thing’ for students with honesty, kindness and sincerity. Liberty Middle School has selected her as “2025 Teacher of the Year.”
Learning about her honor, she first felt disbelief, followed by shock and surprise. “The teachers at Liberty are some of the finest I’ve ever worked with. To be chosen by them means the world to me,” Price said.
“Out of 24 years I’ve been a teacher, this is my first Teacher of the Year honor. For my efforts to be validated and recognized by my peers is a huge honor,” Price said.
At Liberty, Price chairs the Science Department and teaches sixth-graders. She coaches Science Olympiad and Science Bowl, along with serving on the curriculum and textbook committees and Building Leadership Team.
Previously, she taught at middle schools in Monrovia, Lawrence County, Montevallo and Dallas, Ga.
“Madison City Schools is a superb school system with a reputation all its own. When an opportunity presented itself to apply for a position at Liberty, I jumped at the chance,” Price said.
She wanted her sons to attend MCS for a top-notch education, along with numerous electives unavailable at other schools. “Mr. Shannon Brown hired me and has allowed me to flourish and grow as a teacher,” Price said. “The professional development offered from the system has been excellent.”
Price has helped students excel. With Price as coach, the Science Olympiad team has won the state championship and advanced to nationals for three consecutive years. She and parent coach Suresh Avula led the Science Bowl team to a state title and placed in Top 12 at nationals this year.
In addition, Price qualified as an Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative or AMSTI trainer (for) other science teachers on how to use classroom science kits that complement instruction.
In middle school, teachers meet challenges in determining their impact. However, Price can watch for behavior that validates her methods: * Seeing excitement in students’ eyes during a fun lab and showing self-pride by correctly answering questions.
* Sharing websites and experiences that relate to assignments.
* Students run up for a hug, an encouraging word or just to “spill some tea.”
“When students know I value their opinions, it not only makes them want to perform better for me but also allows them to take ownership in their learning and makes learning more pragmatic,” Price said.
Price’s hometown is Mableton, Ga., an Atlanta suburb. At the University of West Georgia, Price earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary science education. She holds two master’s degrees: public health, University of Alabama at Birmingham; and school counseling, University of North Alabama.
Her son Joshua graduated from James Clemens High School and is majoring in business management at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He participates in Emerging Business Leaders and is President of Entrepreneurship Club.
Her younger son, Jason, will be a freshman at James Clemens. Jason has his own YouTube channel on gaming.
For six years, Karen Price coached soccer. She formerly owned a farm in Moulton that specialized in Alabama’s native breeds.
Her hobbies are creating flower arrangements, jigsaw puzzles, gardening and traveling. She will soon own two backyard chickens.
