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Everyone remembers that one teacher that made an impact on their life. The one who made reading feel a little less “ugh, homework” and a lot more “wow, I can do this and it’s fun.”

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4–8, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the educators leaving lasting impressions on local students every day, including two that go the extra mile with STAIR of Birmingham.

Keep reading to see how they’re shaping young readers and learn about STAIR’s impact —plus get a few simple ways to support Birmingham’s teachers during this special week.

Teacher Appreciation Week in Birmingham is May 4–8

This is the week where small gestures go a long way and teachers get a well-earned moment in the spotlight.

In Birmingham, Teacher Appreciation Week goes beyond the classroom. It shows up in tutoring sessions, after-school programs and consistent moments where teachers show up in every way. STAIR of Birmingham is one of the places where that brings this work to life.

STAIR—short for Start the Adventure in Reading—is a local nonprofit helping elementary students in Birmingham City Schools strengthen reading skills through free, one-on-one tutoring. Nothing flashy, just consistent, intentional help with letter combinations, rhymes and shared reading.

Many of these students come from under-resourced communities, and the need is real: Nearly three out of four Birmingham students need extra reading support.

Why Teacher Appreciation Week matters in Birmingham schools

At STAIR, educators are doing double duty: leading the way in their schools and at tutoring sites across the city.

Shantez Carter serves as both Huffman Academy Site Director and Oliver Elementary Assistant Director for STAIR—while also working as a full-time elementary school teacher.

For her, STAIR is a natural extension of classroom learning.

“During my time teaching second- and fourth-grade reading at Oliver Elementary, I implemented the STAIR curriculum as both a reading reinforcement tool and a brain break. It played a meaningful role in improving students’ performance on i-Ready and increasing their daily reading engagement.”
Shantez Carter, STAIR of Birmingham Huffman Academy Site Director + Oliver Elementary Assistant Site Director

Like many educators, Shantez says she’s able to show up for students because she’s backed by strong support at her school and through STAIR.

“The reason I can consistently show up and give my best at STAIR and in the classroom is because of the incredible support I received from the Pre-K administration and the curriculum specialist at STAIR.”
Shantez Carter, STAIR of Birmingham Huffman Academy Site Director + Oliver Elementary Assistant Site Director

How Birmingham teachers are supporting student success

Jamie Harris, a second-grade teacher in her 11th year and STAIR Site Director of three years, sees confidence as the biggest win.

“One of my students, Kenneth, who once hesitated to read aloud, has started to participate more in class. He reads more smoothly and recognizes words faster.”
Jamie Harris, Avondale Elementary School Teacher + STAIR of Birmingham Site Director

And on the tough days?

“There is usually a moment that a light bulb goes off for a student. It’s those small wins that keep me showing up every day.”
Jamie Harris, Avondale Elementary School Teacher + STAIR of Birmingham Site Director

How to show love during Teacher Appreciation Week

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate teachers this week in true Birmingham fashion, keep it simple:

A gift card (because classroom supplies don’t buy themselves)
Coffee, snacks or a sweet treat
A handwritten note that says “you made a difference” (they really do keep those)

Or even better—support programs like STAIR so teachers don’t have to do it alone.

Learn more about STAIR of Birmingham and how your support helps spark a love of reading for students and the teachers guiding them along the way.

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