Reviewed by: Amelia Pilgrim
Athens High teacher finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year
Reading time: 3 minutes
Athens High School engineering teacher Michael May was just selected as a finalist for the Alabama Teacher of the Year award. May was listed alongside 15 other educators from across the state.
May was initially named Athens High School Teacher of the Year in September 2025, followed by being named Athens City Schools Secondary teacher of the year. This past week, he received a nomination to District VIII Secondary Teacher of the Year and was elected to the finalist position by more than 155 outstanding educators across the state.
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About Mr. May
Mr. May teaches Engineering Design classes in the AHS Career and Technical Education Engineer Pathway, where he leads students through project-based learning about math, science and engineering. Some of the specific topics covered in his classes are the engineering design process, 3D modeling and printing, Arduino electronics, generative AI, and more.
Originally from Michigan, May has since had more than 20 years of teaching experience, all with Athens City Schools. Over his teaching career, May has blended a sociable dynamic with students alongside high expectations for their sucess to encourage his students to reach their full potential in the classroom and out.
May’s Teaching Style
Under May’s leadership, the AHS branch of the Technology Students Association (TSA) chapter has earned the state Most Outstanding Chapter title for the past six years in a row—a state record.
I was a member of May’s 2021 TSA chapter, where I both enjoyed his silliness in the classroom alongside the seriousness with which he treated his students. Instead of Mr. May, he goes by Coach May in the classroom, despite never having coached any sport. It was this style of coaching mentorship to led my TSA team to win the state’s Most Outstanding Chapter and have fun doing it.
Officials at Athens City Schools agree with this synopsis of May’s teaching style:
“Mr. May represents the heart, passion, and excellence that define Athens City Schools. He demonstrates a deep commitment to innovation, achievement, and leadership in the classroom.”
Athens City Schools Official
North Alabama is proud to be home to teachers like May, and we are excited to cheer him on as he continues the process towards this prestigious award.
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