Gulf Shores City Schools selects Teachers of Year

Gulf Shores City Schools selects Teachers of Year
Paula Stevens, Blossom Hinyub & Jennifer Murphy selected by their peers

Gulf Shores City School System has selected Paula Stevens, Blossom Hinyub and Jennifer Murphy as its Teachers of the Year.

Mrs. Paula Stevens
Mrs. Paula Stevens teaches first grade at Gulf Shores Elementary. She graduated from the University of South Alabama. She has been teaching 17 years, six of which have been at Gulf Shores Elementary. During her 17 years, she has served as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. She currently serves as the grade level leader for first grade. Dr. Alicia Early, GSES Principal said, “Paula is a very dedicated and professional educator who loves her students and goes above and beyond each and every day. She is a teacher leader who others depend on for her honesty, encouragement, and positive attitude. She is an exemplar of what an early childhood educator should be and Gulf Shores Elementary has been very fortunate to have her serve as one of our teachers these past six years.” Over the last 17 years in education, she has served in a variety of roles such as club sponsors, digital renaissance, and Lighthouse Team. She is an active member of Island Church and has participated in a number of community involvement campaigns such as Toys for Tots.
Jennifer Murphy
Mrs. Jennifer Murphy empowers students daily in Gulf Shores High School’s Health Science Academy where she currently teaches Foundations of Health Science, Patient Care Technician, Internship, and Human Body Structures and Functions. Mrs. Murphy’s courses offer students hands-on learning in the health science field, and she has engaged students in such activities as Twinkie dissections, a Pumpkinectomy, cardiac muscle sidewalk artwork, and CPR certification. Mrs. Murphy’s upper-level students pursue the Patient Care Technician National Credential and participate in a semester-long internship at South Baldwin Medical Center. She has been teaching for two years, and prior to joining the field of education, Mrs. Murphy worked directly in the nursing field for more than 20 years, educating patients and health care professionals throughout. She now shares her passion and knowledge of the health care field with her students every day and frequently schedules health care related guest speakers to share their career journeys with students. Mrs. Murphy currently advises the Career Tech Student Organization, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, is a member of ALACTE (Alabama Association for Career Technical Education), and serves on the GSHS Sustainability Team. She recently was honored with entrance into the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council’s Educator’s Workforce Academy, where she collaborates with other regional educators to connect with and learn about local business and industry. Mrs. Murphy also holds a Bachelors & Masters in Nursing, Nurse Educator, from Auburn. She hopes to continue to grow the HSA by collaborating with teachers across the school and district and networking within our community in order to support our students while sustaining our local health care industry.
Mrs. Blossom Hinyub
Mrs. Blossom Hinyub teaches eight grade English Language Arts at Gulf Shores Middle School. Mrs. Hinyub’s success as a teacher is due in part to her connectedness with students. Mrs. Hinyub identifies her students’ areas of strengths and weaknesses and provides resources with intentionality to enhance student learning. She demonstrates an openness and approachability in her classroom that ensures students feel supported. Mrs. Hinyub is also always willing to help and support those around her in any way. She sponsors both the National Junior Honor Society and Peer Helpers. These organizations are pivotal to Gulf Shores Middle School’s culture. Mrs. Hinyub exemplifies the quote by John C. Maxwell, “We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” This motto shines in the multitude of ways Mrs. Hinyub reaches out to her coworkers and students daily.