The faculty and staff of Montevallo High School recently voted Ms. Brandi Eades as teacher of the year.
Eades is a 2004 Oak Mountain High School graduate, and then she obtained her Associate’s degree in Applied Science Food Service and Culinary Management from Jefferson State Community College. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education from the University of Montevallo.
“I have always been interested in teaching,” Eades said.  “As far back as I can remember, I dreamed of one day becoming a teacher.”
Eades began teaching in 2010 at Duncanville Middle school, located in Tuscaloosa. In 2012, she started working at MHS. Here, Eades teaches Family and Consumer Science, Fashion, and Hospitality and Tourism.
She is the head sponsor of FCCLA and also the primary senior class sponsor.  So, in addition to teaching classes, Eades oversees and operates the concession stand at home football games, prepares students for cooking competitions, promotes community service projects and provides students with the opportunity to see marketing and business practices first hand through attending events such as Christmas Village. Through her senior sponsorship, she manages all senior activities including the graduation ceremony.
“In my opinion the most important job as a teacher is to establish a balanced and well managed setting that allows students to work and learn at the best of their ability,” Eades said.
Her classes incorporate hands-on activities, including cooking, crafting and sewing as well as studying trends in food and fashion.
“My favorite thing about teaching is that every day is a new day, a fresh start,” Eades said.  “I also love seeing my students’ faces light up when they actually understand a subject.”
When Eades is not inspiring her students, she is spending time with her two-year son, Landon, and her yellow Lab, Willie, and Golden Retriever Daisy May.
“When I found out I was elected Teacher of the Year, I was honestly shocked, but also honored,” Eades said.