Sanders named West Madison First Class Pre-Kindergarten Center’s ‘Teacher of the Year’
MADISON – Unlikely circumstances led Alicia Sanders to have some laughs when she accepted her award as “Teacher of the Year” at West Madison First Class Pre-Kindergarten Center. “My first thought (when accepting the honor) was that someone could have given me a heads-up so I could go home and change!” Sanders said jokingly. “I had cute outfits planned for Monday and Wednesday, but Central Office and the cameras surprised me on a Tuesday.”
“I ended up receiving the award in my ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ jersey, black-and-white checkered pants and ‘Blue the Great’ Jordan athletic shoes. My pre-K peeps dubbed me the ‘Fresh Princess of Pre-K,’ which made it all the more special,” Sanders said. (“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” a popular TV series in the 1990s, starred Will Smith.)
“My second thought (when receiving the award) was how much I wished our alumni association had been there to share the moment. Throughout my teaching career, my families and students have always given me my flowers, both literally and figuratively. I wanted them to know that WE did this together,” Sanders said.
“Mrs. Jennifer Stiles, our 2024 ‘Staff Member of the Year,’ and I have been a team since 2018. The support we receive from our families made this honor possible,” Sanders said.
At four years old, Sanders realized she wanted to be a teacher. “As a child, I had my heart set on Madison City Schools, partly because they had more weather delays than Huntsville City Schools, but mostly because they always had a strong reputation,” Sanders said.
“As an adult, I believe in surrounding yourself with people who have already achieved what you’re striving for and who will push and support you to grow,” Sanders said. “I wanted to be a great teacher, so I chose to work in the best district in the state to make that dream a reality.”
Sanders’ teaching career began with Head Start; she worked two of five years in Madison City Schools. Sanders was named “Teacher of the Year” in her Head Start region.
“I joined Madison City Schools in 2018 and have loved every minute since. Outside the Pre-K classroom, I also support students by working at reading and math camps in the summer and coaching basketball cheer,” she said.
Sanders earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and human development and family studies from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree from the University of West Alabama. Currently, she is pursuing an education specialist degree in teacher leadership. She has submitted all components for National Board Certified Teacher credentials.
“I was born and raised in Huntsville, and I’m a proud graduate of Butler High School,” Sanders said.
“I’m late diagnosed AuDHD (autism and attention deficit hyperactivity or ADHD). I truly believe I’m able to shine in the classroom because my mind works differently. It allows me to connect with my students in creative and meaningful ways,” Sanders said.
“Between pre-K; cheer (Go, Patriots!); continuing my education; friends/family; and church, my schedule stays full, but I always make time for my favorite hobby — taking a good nap,” Sanders said.
