Disclosure :: A very special thank you to the sponsors that have made this giveaway possible and to our loyal readers, especially Ancient Lore Village.
We are excited to announce that the winner of our 2026 Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year is ::
Alisha Butler – Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, Special School District
{Nominated by :: Multiple Students, Parents and Coworkers} Coming to LSVI as a teacher without a background in visual impairment or assistive technology was overwhelming. I quickly realized that I did not have the knowledge or experience needed to fully support my students, but having Alisha Butler as an instructional coach and new friend changed everything for me. From the very beginning, Alisha made herself available in a way that was both supportive and empowering (and very motivating). Any time I had a question about accessibility, assistive technology, or how to support a student, she didn’t just explain it, she came to my room and she showed me. She came into my classroom or invited me to hers, modeled strategies in real time, and walked me through the thinking process behind navigating documents, using assistive technology, and helping students problem-solve. What impacted me the most was not just what she taught, but how she taught it. Alisha models her thinking out loud, showing both teachers and students how to approach challenges step by step. Through her guidance, I learned how to advocate for my students. I now understand the difference between accessibility and usability, and I feel confident speaking up when something is not truly accessible for my students. That confidence has completely changed how I approach my role as an educator.
As the assistant test coordinator, one of the things that has stood out to me the most is Alisha’s deep knowledge of every student we serve. She knows each student’s accommodations, their assistive technology needs, and even their personal preferences for how they access and engage with learning (and that’s K-12!). She understands which mediums students use best, whether that is Braille, screen readers, audio, or digital platforms. She uses her student knowledge to make sure they are set up for success. This level of detail shows just how much she genuinely cares about our students and how she always puts their learning first.
At LSVI, students are all tested one-on-one or in small groups. She makes this look easy and I have found her here, often on a Sunday, getting materials organized for testing or making classroom and unit test materials that are accessible for our teachers and students. She doesn’t just deliver lessons; she removes barriers, builds futures, inspires colleagues, and advocates tirelessly for inclusivity. In doing so, she strengthens not only LSVI but the entire educational ecosystem in our region. Her students are growing in confidence, independence, and academic achievement because she believes in them and holds them to high standards, while still meeting them where they are. Her classroom is a place of belonging and possibility, and that is a direct reflection of the person she is.
As our high school English teacher, Ms. Butler is responsible for instructing the Dual Enrollment (DE) classes. Each semester brings new levels of achievement in the DE program as she skillfully pairs university-level expectations with strong foundational English instruction. Her intentional approach has yielded outstanding results. In her role as Master Teacher, Ms. Butler excels in support, data analysis, and approachability with our teachers. Her ability to analyze and clearly explain data empowers teachers to make informed instructional decisions that best serve their students. She not only leads Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) but also provides instructional support at all levels. Her embosser (braille printer) is always working overtime as she prepares materials for teachers and students. Students always have access to manipulatives and pictures to make the stories come alive for connections and discussion. Alisha utilizes tactile and interactive instruction so that students can have the experience needed for conceptual comprehension. In addition to these responsibilities, she organizes, inventories, and assigns all technology on campus. As a school for the blind, this role requires ensuring that all computers are equipped with text-to-speech software, that students have the specific technology they need to succeed, and that teachers have reliable, accessible tools to prepare braille materials as well as standard instructional resources. She has also demonstrated extraordinary dedication by preparing for and passing the National Certification in Unified English Braille, further reflecting her commitment to professional growth and her determination to provide the highest level of instruction and access for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Ms. Butler never leaves me out of activities, projects, or lessons. If something is visual, she finds a way for me to be included and participate fully. She doesn’t act like accessibility is extra work—she treats it as something I deserve as a student, and that alone makes her stand out to me and so many other students. She also helps me learn in a way that actually makes sense. She breaks down lessons step-by-step until I understand them, and she does it with patience and clarity. At the same time, she pushes us to be independent (both academically and mobility-wise). She encourages us to try things on our own and use her as a resource instead of relying on her for everything. That balance has helped me grow so much, especially in my writing and confidence navigating new places and college assignments.
I am a freshman football player at the University of Idaho (almost sophomore). Ms. Butler is a person that I consider to be a part of my lifelong village and was a critical factor and played a crucial role in my academic success and emotional support. She knew my long-term goal was to earn a Division I college football scholarship and without her time, attention and investment, I may not have attained this goal. It made me feel that she genuinely cared and was proud of my accomplishments. Her passion for students and determination to remove obstacles that impeded my path to success will never be forgotten. She cares about students outside of the school day and when they’ve passed on to future endeavors, she is still there for guidance, tutoring (for free), and to still cheer us on. When something good happens in my life, she is one of the first people my mom calls to celebrate. For these reasons, I am proudly recommending her for your Teacher of the Year!
Not only is Alisha Butler the 2026 Red Stick Mom Teacher of the Year, but she also wins the fabulous prize package giveaway valued at $1,300+ including:
- Step beyond the ordinary and into a storybook escape at Ancient Lore Village, a hidden world tucked into the rolling hills of Knoxville, Tennessee. Here, winding paths, fairy lights, and handcrafted dwellings invite you to slow down, reconnect, and experience something truly unforgettable. This exclusive giveaway offers a two-night stay valued at $775 in one of our enchanting Village Gardens King Dwellings for up to two guests and includes dinner for two and one hour of ace throwing and archery for two. This package is valid for reservations Sunday through Thursday and is not valid on holidays. The experience must be redeemed by December 31st, 2026. Whether you are celebrating something special or simply craving a midweek escape, this is your invitation to trade the everyday for something extraordinary at Ancient Lore Village. {Valued at $775}
- One free week of Kidcam Camp, including registration fee. {Valued at $250}
- A petite Amanda Cuff from Mimosa {Valued at $75}
- Blowout with a Professional Hair Treatment Service + Aveda’s New Full-Size Tousle Texture Dry Texture Spray from Paris Parker Aveda {Valued at $130}
- Colorful bundle of Louisiana themed artwork by muralist & illustrator Hannah Gumbo. Includes: art prints, cards, & stickers {Value of $75}
The fine print (please read in full before entering) :: Per the IRS guidelines, the winner will receive a Form 1099 from Red Stick Mom for tax purposes since the value of the giveaway package exceeds a value of $600.
