Teacher Gwen Childs' energy and enthusiasm helps get things done at Vestavia Hills Elementary School – East in Vestavia Hills. When her students reached their reading goals by the 100th day of school, she convinced her principal to climb up on the roof and read aloud to the students. When the school was deliberating whether to participate in the Alabama Reading Initiative, Ms. Childs brought many teachers on board by communicating positive data on the initiative. She teaches social studies and language arts using the Flat Stanley Project, an international activity based on a children's book that encourages students to write to other students worldwide via letters and email. A National Board Certified teacher, Ms. Childs traveled to Japan on a Fulbright Scholarship to collaborate with Japanese educators. She has been a presenter at several workshops and seminars.
1975 Samford University, B.A.
