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By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer

CALERA – Schools across Shelby County are presenting their Teacher of the Year awards to hard-working members of their faculties, and Calera Middle School is among the latest to join the list.

Visual arts teacher Katie Justice earned the recognition for the 2025-2026 school year.

“Since joining the Eagle family, Mrs. Justice has been a wonderful addition to our school,” read a post from the school’s official Facebook page. “She inspires our students every day, fostering creativity and a love for the visual arts that brightens our hallways and our community. Her dedication to her students and her craft is second to none. We are so proud to have her on our team and can’t wait to see all the amazing things she’ll continue to accomplish.”

Being named Teacher of the Year is not something Justice takes lightly, as she is happy to see the arts recognized.

“I am incredibly honored to receive Teacher of the Year,” Justice said. “It is so encouraging to see the arts being recognized, and receiving this award means that not only I, but also my students, have made a positive impact on my school.”

Justice enjoys teaching at Calera Middle for a variety of reasons, but the supportive environment is at the top of the list.

“I honestly love it,” Justice said. “I get to teach so many different types of students, and I love that we are all constantly learning from each other.  I have incredibly supportive coworkers, many of whom have become some really great friends. The CMS admin has always trusted me with my crazy ideas and let me run with them, so I really am in a place where I can truly shine.”

Art has been a passion of Justice’s for a long time, and having the opportunity to pass on the love she has for it is an important part of her job.

“I absolutely love it,” Justice said. “I love art, always have and always will, but I like teaching art because I get to see kids create art that is so much more advanced than anything I ever made when I was their age. That makes me so excited for them and their futures. I also love getting to know the students, seeing them develop their own ideas and confidence as they become their own people through learning and practicing art.”

Additionally, Justice is proud to teach in a community that supports and shows up for its students and teachers.

“Thanks for being there for the students, and thanks for realizing the importance of the arts,” Justice said. “Keep being creative and keep showing up for each other.”