Mancil, Greathouse recognized as Teachers of the Year at Andalusia Elementary School

The faculty and staff at Andalusia Elementary School this week recognized Erica Mancil and Mallory Greathouse as the school’s 2024-45 Teacher of the Year awards.

According to AES Principal Victoria Anderson, the two teachers have demonstrated commitment and dedication to their students throughout their time at the school.

“These ladies have a remarkable impact on our school, community, and students. They bring passion and an unwavering commitment to education every day. We are truly fortunate to have such outstanding educators on our team. They both are an asset to Andalusia Elementary School,” Anderson said.

Mancil, named the kindergarten through third grade teacher of the year, is an Andalusia native who has been teaching over eight years with the past three years being at AES. She teaches kindergarten and is a special education teacher. She said it is an honor to be recognized by other teachers and staff.

“Ever since I began working at AES, I have been incredibly impressed with all the teachers who work here,” she said. “Every single teacher brings something special to the table, and I am always so encouraged to be the best teacher I can be because I feel surrounded by amazing teachers who push each other to be the best.”

Mancil added that she has benefitted from other members of the AES faculty.

“I have learned a lot about myself as a teacher since working at AES and I feel like I have grown the most since working there. I fully believe teachers and staff at AES are some of the best you can find, and I’m blessed to work alongside them,” she said.

The school’s vice principals each praised Mancil and the attention she gives to her students.

“Mrs. Mancil is a very loving and caring teacher. She pushes her kids to be the best they can be, and has been very supportive to all of her students. She comes to work each day with a positive attitude, and she is always willing to help where she can,” said AES Vice Principal Bradley Stephens.

Assistant Principal Heather Bulger added, “Erica creates a nurturing classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. She is committed to the success of each and every student. She is truly an asset to this school and truly deserving of this honor.”

“As a dedicated special education teacher, Ms. Mancil brings not only expertise to her role, but also a joyful and compassionate spirit that brightens our entire school community,” said Assistant Principal Traneshia Birch. “Her calm, pleasant attitude and deep understanding of her students’ needs create a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Ms. Mancil’s commitment to her work and the joy she brings to those around her make her truly exceptional. We are so grateful for her heart, her dedication, and the difference she makes every single day.”

Greathouse, the fourth through sixth grades Teacher of the Year and resident of Opp, has been teaching four years, all of those at AES. She teaches fourth grade math and science.

“There is something special about helping students understand and enjoy what they are learning in ways that make them feel confident and successful. What I love most about AES is the community. My sweet co-workers, administrators, and students make each day something to look forward to. Everyone here works so hard to be the best AES can be, and that kind of dedication is contagious. It is a place that keeps me motivated and inspired to give my best” Greathouse said.

“In just four years, Mrs. Greathouse has made a lasting impact on our school community with her passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and infectious enthusiasm in the classroom. She brings learning to life in ways that are both fun and memorable, creating a classroom environment where students are excited to learn. Beyond academics, Mrs. Greathouse excels at building meaningful relationships with her students, fostering a positive classroom environment that is welcoming and enjoyable. Her commitment to excellence and her positive spirit make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor,” Birch said.

Stephens said Greathouse goes to great effort to create an environment conducive to student engagement and learning.

“She is a hard working teacher. She is constantly looking at ways to improve her students in class,” he said. “She cares about each of her students, and wants them to be the best they can possibly be.  She is very creative in her teaching style which cultivates a great environment for her students to retain what they are learning.”

Bulger added, “Mallory is a phenomenal math and science teacher. She makes learning fun and is dedicated to the success of each and every student. Her hard work and dedication make her truly deserving of this award.”

Both teachers said they are honored to be recognized.

“Receiving the Teacher of the Year Award is such a wonderful surprise,” Greathouse said. “I am truly honored and humbled to be chosen by my AES peers. This is a reminder of why I love what I do, and it pushes me to continue working hard for my students. I am thankful to be a part of the AES family and have the opportunity to impact my students’ lives.”

“I was very shocked to be named Teacher of the Year because I feel like I am still so early in my career and have so much left to learn,” Mancil said. “I was 15 years old when I felt the call to be a special education teacher, and I still love what I do just as much as I did when I began working toward this career. The students I have taught in the past, teach currently, and will teach in the future will always be with me in some way because they teach me something about myself as a teacher. My peers voted for me to have this honor and I will never take that for granted. There are many who deserve this, and I am humbled to be one of the teachers chosen this year.”