TEACHER: Brittney Reeves

SCHOOL: Gulf Shores Middle School

SUBJECTS TAUGHT: Language Arts

SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT YOURSELF: That's a tough one — I may be a language arts teacher, but I've always had a passion for math and science. I received a full scholarship in physics at the University of South Alabama, but turned it down to earn my teaching degree.

Brittney Reeves is an eighth grade language arts teacher at Gulf Shores Middle School. She also teaches seventh and eighth grade yearbook and newspaper. Reeves graduated from the University of South Alabama in the spring 2011 and began teaching at GSMS in the fall of 2012. This is her third year at the middle school.

Reeves decided to teach to make a difference, to inspire and to help students discover more enjoyable educational experiences.

“When I was in elementary school, I became very bored in the classroom,” she says. “I did not feel challenged and school became a long chore. Once I was placed into the gifted program, the gifted teacher sparked a new love of learning and desire to learn within me. She challenged me and showed me many ways that education is satisfying.”

Throughout middle and high school, Reeves was blessed with more teachers that continued to inspire her. She is still grateful for those experiences, and hopes to pass that same spark on to her students. 

“In my classroom today, I am able to use project based learning to create a student centered, student led class,” Reeves says. “I encourage my students to have voice and choice in their education. We work together on a daily basis to find things they find interesting and topics they want to learn more about.” 

Reeves’ favorite part about teaching is interacting with the students.

“Seeing "ah-ha" moments is an amazing experience — and I get paid to see them,” she says. “I love watching my students grow. Eighth grade is such a big year. They have their final year in middle school before heading off to high school. A lot of growing up, maturing, and finding themselves happens in the eighth grade. I enjoy helping each student find his/her niche and learning style.”

When she isn’t teaching, Reeves enjoys being outside.

“We live in a beautiful area, and there is always something new to discover,” she says. “I am an assistant den leader in my son's Cub Scout den, and we always enjoy a good geocaching outing.”

Reeves’ yearbook staff has won the Jostens National Yearbook of Excellence Award two years in a row, and hoping to make this year the third. She is currently working towards a Masters degree in gifted education from the University of Alabama.