Encyclopedia of Alabama Empowers Teacher at Edgewood Elementary

Map of Alabama featuring the many state parks and natural sites Broadhead and her students camp through.

Fourth grade teacher Amber Broadhead at Edgewood Elementary of Homewood City Schools is making history in Homewood, AL.

She was recognized as the 2023 Alabama History Teacher of the Year for thinking “outside the box” and providing a plethora of hands-on learning experiences for her students.

“I always start with the Encyclopedia of Alabama,” Broadhead stated. “It gives us a standing ground” in planning instruction and classroom projects.

The Encyclopedia of Alabama (EOA) offers many informational resources, which Broadhead utilizes as her starting point when planning lessons and projects related to Alabama.

Students use EOA to research things like “salamanders native to Homewood” and to assist students in creating informational writing studies.

One of her yearly projects is Camp Broadhead, an interactive school experience that teaches students social sciences on a local level. She uses a cross-curricular approach to highlight Alabama history and the ecological environment.

Students camp through different sites in Alabama, stay in makeshift tents in the classroom, and craft fireflies while learning about history and science in their in-classroom travels.

Broadhead’s husband demonstrates the firetruck and teaches students about being a firefighter.

“I love to teach the story of Jack’s,” she added. The beloved fast-food chain originated in Homewood in the 60s.

She takes inspiration from the David Matthews Center for Civic Life and uses historical documents and media to map the history of Jack’s.

“For so long we felt lost,” Broadhead shared, but EOA “has been the best” in providing teachers with a resource to teach about Alabama. It provides a way for teachers to show students “they are a part of history.”

On November 17th, Edgewood Elementary School unveiled their historical marker at their centennial celebration.

The process for acquiring a historical marker for the school began with Alabama Day, an event where representatives from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) and other local historians and professionals visit and teach students local history.

She found the school would soon qualify for a marker. She also found a glimpse into time connecting her to her husband.

An ADAH representative found a photo of a school fire that occurred in the 50s. The image depicted students courageously attempting to extinguish the fire with water.

Alabama Day professional instructs students in the classroom.

Serendipitously, Broadhead’s husband is a firefighter in Homewood.

He accessed the logbooks at his station and found records of the fire. This created an opportunity for Broadhead and her husband to bring this local history before her students.

Her students were captivated by a history they could touch: a logbook and a firetruck.

“The historians and professionals I’ve worked with have really changed my life, “Broadhead exclaimed.

Moments like these are why Broadhead is passionate about history. “There are several stories lost to time, and you can’t assume [a student’s background]”.

This is why “I strive so much to have a relationship with my students,” she said.

Teaching history provides an avenue for connecting with students on a personal level. “It puts a flame inside their belly,” she said. She aims to show her students “you are living history of what’s going on.”

Last Updated: January 15, 2025