SCS District

Sheffield Bulldogs,

Due to the threat of severe weather, all Sheffield City Schools campuses will close at 5:00 p.m. today, April 28, 2026. All after‑school activities will end at 4:30 p.m. to ensure all students and staff are off campus by 5:00 p.m.

Stay safe.

Sheffield City Schools has announced that Joey Elliott, a math teacher at Sheffield Junior High School, has been named Alabama State Board of Education District 7 Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2026.

Sheffield City Schools is thrilled to announce that Sheffield Junior High School math teacher Joey Elliott has been named Alabama State Board of Education District 7 Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2026-27.

Elliott is one of 16 finalists statewide and will be honored during a reception on May 13, at which time the Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced.

The field of finalists will be pared this month to two elementary and two secondary district teachers, prior to the final selection.

Elliott is in his 14th year of teaching math, the past 12 at Sheffield. He attended Sheffield schools and says his own background gives him insights and perspective regarding the students he now teaches at his alma mater.

"My students know I went to school here, grew up in government housing and faced many of the same, if not worse, challenges than they face on a daily basis," Elliott said. "I get them, and they know that. I feel like (my students) at Sheffield trust and respect me, not out of fear, but because I can empathize with them."

Elliott said he chooses to teach in Sheffield so that he can make a difference in children growing up like he did.

"I make sure my students know this is more than just a job to me and they know I teach from the heart and that my happiness is intertwined in their success," he said. "It's difficult to get students to understand that but I think it's essential for their educational growth in the classroom."

Sheffield City Schools Superintendent Carlos Nelson said the state's education officials, "have made a phenomenal selection in Joey Elliott."

"He's a Sheffield Bulldog through and through and his story, from student to teacher striving to give back to his school system, is impressive. (The state) absolutely got it right and I don't think they could find a greater Teacher of the Year."

Sheffield City Schools appreciates our media friends and as always we are available to answer any questions or set up additional news coverage.

Thank you for all you do and !

Lisa Rickman