When you step into Stacey Wilson’s classroom at Reynolds Middle School, you feel it right away. Soft music plays in the background. Her LG screen glows at the front of the room. Snoopy watches over the space with quiet charm. The room feels warm and intentional. It’s ready for students before they even walk through the door.
And so is she.
From Northeast Alabama to Lancaster
Stacey was born and raised in Arab, Alabama, a small town about 30 minutes south of Huntsville. Education was always part of her world. Many of her aunts and uncles worked in schools, and from a young age she saw teaching as more than a job. It was a way to serve.
Her second grade teacher, Mrs. Mary Jo Isom, was the first person who made her think, “I want to do this.” Years later, her eleventh grade English teacher, Mr. Darriel Ledbetter, deepened that calling. As a professional educator, another mentor, Mrs. Barbara Carr, encouraged her to continue exploring literacy and pursue advanced certifications. Each one shaped how she shows up for students today.
Her family’s commitment to service extends beyond education. Her brother, Wes Whitaker, recently completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and now works as a nurse and college professor in Montgomery, Alabama. At the center of Stacey’s story, though, is her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Hazel Whitaker.
Her Granny was a social worker through Auburn University’s Community Action Program. During summers, Stacey rode along on visits across rural Alabama. She watched her grandmother teach women how to follow picture recipes, grow gardens, preserve food through canning, and stretch food stamps by purchasing staple ingredients. Granny taught her perseverance. She taught her how to work hard without complaint. Most importantly, she taught her to love all people.
That lesson never left.
Breaking the Code
Stacey’s mornings begin early. She wakes up at 6:00, drinks her coffee, makes a protein shake, and prepares for the day. Some mornings include stopping at her parents’ assisted living facility to drop off items they need before or after school. Service isn’t something she schedules. It’s simply part of who she is.
When she arrives at Reynolds, she turns on the lights, sets the tone with music, and welcomes her seventh grade homeroom. After first period, her literacy instruction begins.
Using the Sonday Program, an explicit phonics approach, she helps students “break the code” of reading. For students who’ve already developed decoding skills, she deepens comprehension through chapter books and targeted questioning techniques. She meets students where they are and builds from there. The goal isn’t just progress. It’s confidence.
Lunch is often spent in her classroom. Sometimes she brings her packed lunch. Sometimes she joins students in the cafeteria. Sitting beside students during lunch has become one of her favorite ways to build relationships. It’s informal. It’s real. It matters.
After school, you might find her organizing the self care closet with Reynolds’ school social worker, Mrs. Keesha Bair-Myers, discussing grant opportunities, or planning how to better support students. Outside of school, she attends a monthly book club, practices restorative yoga on Thursdays, and makes time to walk each day to decompress. She knows she can’t pour into others if she doesn’t take care of herself.
A Heart for Community
Stacey joined the School District of Lancaster in 2018 as a K to 2 ESL teacher at Carter & MacRae Elementary. In 2022, she transitioned to Reynolds Middle School as a Literacy Specialist.
Her academic journey reflects her commitment to growth. She earned her undergraduate degree in K to 6 Elementary and Special Education from the University of Alabama. She completed her Master’s in K to 3 Early Childhood at Alabama A&M University. She later earned both her ESL Certification and Reading Specialist Certification from Millersville University. Her cumulative coursework places her at a Masters plus 60 level, which is equivalent to a doctorate in credit hours. While she chose not to pursue a PhD, she set a personal goal and reached it. That accomplishment still feels meaningful.
When asked what she loves about SDoL, she speaks about diversity and inclusion. She values the exposure to different cultures and experiences. She appreciates that leadership feels approachable. She’s shared that she feels just as comfortable speaking with Dr. Miles as she does with a colleague or building administrator. That open communication strengthens her connection to the district.
She also credits her mentor at Reynolds, Dr. Abby Blake, as someone who continues to guide her long after their formal mentorship year ended. If Stacey has a question, Dr. Blake sits with her and talks it through. “She is a gift,” Stacey says.
Going the Extra Mile
This year alone, Stacey’s impact has extended well beyond literacy instruction.
When EBT and SNAP benefits were delayed during the government shutdown, she immediately reached out to friends and family across the country. Within one week, she gathered 200 bags of rice and beans. With additional donations, she assembled complete meal kits that included tomato sauce, seasonings, cooking oil, and shelf stable protein. Her front sitting room filled with supplies as she packaged everything herself. Every bag was delivered to students and families who needed it.
Earlier in the year, she collected more than $1,200 in self care items for a cart housed in her classroom. The cart is available to any student, whether they’re in her class or not. It’s stocked with deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hair ties, combs, and feminine products. Students use it comfortably and quietly. That’s exactly how she wants it.
A colleague who nominated her shared, “Mrs. Wilson consistently goes the extra mile to support families in need within our community. Her extraordinary effort resulted in securing Thanksgiving meal donations for over 200 families, demonstrating her compassion, leadership, and commitment to service.”
During the COVID pandemic, Stacey collaborated with the ELD team to write and present a HUB model proposal to the SDoL School Board. The model created a safe, technology supported in person learning space for English Language Learners during virtual instruction days. Students received academic support along with breakfast and lunch to take home. The proposal was approved and implemented, and it made a real difference during a difficult time.
This year, she also joined the Board of Advantage Lancaster as Secretary. Serving on the board feels personal. It connects her professional work to her Granny’s legacy of being a way maker in the community. Education, to Stacey, is something that can’t be taken away.
The Little Things That Matter
There are also the small details that make Stacey who she is. She can clog. She practices calligraphy and loves intuitive art. She looks forward to book club discussions and Thursday night yoga. She talks about how much she loves her students, her colleagues, her administrators, her building, and the feeling she gets coming to work every single day. It’s not performative. It’s genuine. That joy isn’t accidental. It’s something she nurtures with intention.
At Reynolds Middle School, literacy is about dignity. It’s about access. It’s about ensuring students can move through the world with confidence.
In many ways, Stacey Wilson is continuing the work her grandmother began years ago in rural Alabama. She’s helping people gain skills that open doors.
And she’s doing it with heart.