Hoover City Schools honors Kimberly Richardson for educational service

Published 11:22 pm Sunday, February 2, 2025

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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HOOVER – The Hoover Finley Character Committee recently recognized three Hoover City Schools teachers for their service and commitment to education on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Hoover Randle Home and Gardens.

The Robert F. Bumpus Teachers in the Trenches Awards honor educators whose unwavering dedication to students goes above and beyond, making a positive impact on students’ lives.

“We know that Hoover teachers devote countless hours—morning, day and night—to support, encourage, and inspire their students,” said Dr. Chris Robbins, Finley Committee member and HCS chief learning officer. “This award honors educators who consistently go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their students and school communities.”

The Finley Committee selected one elementary, middle and high school teacher from the record-breaking 75 nominations from throughout the district.

The following teachers were selected as this year’s award winners:

  • Janie Blackstone, Gwin Elementary School
  • Kimberly Richardson, Berry Middle School
  • Ryan Gibson, Crossroads School

Blackstone is an English learner teacher with 22 years of experience working in education, and was described by her colleagues as dedicated, compassionate and selfless, always going above and beyond to always build deep and meaningful relationships with her students.

Her passion for connection and advocacy drives her teaching approach that she has delivered to her students since she began her career.

“I hope my students know they have an advocate who will cheer them on throughout their academic journey and life,” said Janie Blackstone. “I hope my EL students see me as a positive role model and see their life reflected in mine. That I, like many of my students, am a first-generation child of immigrant parents who came to this country with high hopes and dreams. I hope to show and teach them that the initial struggles due to language barriers will be overcome in time, and they too can be successful in life with hard work and determination.”

Richardson serves as a science teacher for eighth graders, being described by her teaching colleagues as someone who always makes sure that every one of her students feels valued and prepared for both personal and academic success.

Richardson’s goal in her teaching is to help students develop a passion for learning by inspiring curiosity and building their confidence.

“Every day, I learn from my students—whether it’s through their unique perspectives, fresh insights, or questions that challenge me to think differently,” Richardson said. “When students leave my classroom, I want them to know that they are capable, unique and important.  Ultimately, I hope that the memories they create in my classroom will be ones they look back on for years to come—memories of moments where they felt inspired, challenged and supported.”

Gibson works as a teacher for students with exceptional needs, and her fellow teachers say that the commitment she has to her work has led to many significant improvements in student engagement and academic success, as well as to her becoming a voice of support for all.

Helping students to believe in their abilities and advocating for their success drives her to keep going every single day, fostering an environment of trust in her classroom.

“I love making connections with my students and teaching them to believe in themselves and believe in their abilities,” Gibson said. “My goal is that my students believe they are capable of achieving great things and they will be able to advocate for themselves.”

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato spoke on what it means for these teachers to receive these awards, congratulating each of them on this prestigious nomination.

“Teachers in the Trenches, it’s about your heart that you give those kids, it’s about resilience, it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence that each of you work on everyday, it’s about teachers who stay late and help struggling students or offer words of encouragement,” Brocato said. “Teaching is not just something you want to do. It’s a vocation, it’s a calling, and each of you have done it so well.”