By the time most students walk into Sumter Central High School, Dr. Joeva Thomas has already started her day with a smile, a clipboard, and a whistle around her neck. From organizing team drills to preparing health lessons, Thomas leads with energy, purpose, and now, national recognition.
In 2023, Dr. Joeva Thomas and Dr. Kimberley Wilson joined an elite circle of educators when they earned National Board Certification, a professional benchmark that less than 3% of teachers in Alabama hold. Their success is more than a professional milestone—it’s a powerful testament to perseverance, community, and the pursuit of excellence in education.
“I wanted to be more than just good,” said Thomas, a veteran of 18 years in the classroom. “I wanted to be transformative.”
Thomas, a graduate of Stillman College, holds degrees from Grand Canyon University and Liberty University, culminating in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. She is now boardcertified in Health Education and owns Cherry Tree Consultants, LLC, her education and wellness firm. Thomas is a former Hale B.O.P.P. Comet who graduated from Akron High School in Akron, Alabama.
“I’ve always been a teacher with a side hustle,” she laughed. “But more importantly, I’m a teacher with a mission—to make health and education accessible, engaging, and life-changing.”
Her students describe her as “fun but serious,” someone who makes fitness meaningful and health habits relatable. But behind her confident presence is a journey marked by late-night study sessions and a few unexpected twists.
“I never imagined myself owning a business, thinking about writing a book, or— believe it or not—wanting to start a farm,” Thomas said with a grin. “Especially since I’m afraid of animals!”
But the farm dream, she explains, isn’t just about land. “It’s about peace, legacy, and a return to something simpler. Just like teaching— it’s about planting seeds and watching them grow.”
On the other side of West Alabama, in the heart of Hale County, Dr. Kimberley Wilson stands at the crossroads of advocacy and academics. A native of Greensboro and now an instructional coach at Sumter Central, Wilson has also spent 18 years in education, starting as a social science teacher before specializing in Exceptional Needs Education.
“When I walk these halls, I see myself in these students,” Wilson said. “My upbringing shaped me, and I wanted to be the educator I always had.”
Her credentials speak volumes: a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University, a master’s and leadership certification from UWA, and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. But it’s her heart for special education that sets her apart.
“Every student, no matter their challenges, deserves access to a quality education,” Wilson said. “That’s why I pursued the National Board Certification. It forces you to reflect on your practice—not just what you teach, but how and why you teach it.”
That level of reflection, both women agree, is what makes the process so rigorous.
“It’s like peeling back every layer of your teaching,” Wilson explained.
“You examine your impact, your biases, your planning, and your results. It’s not for the faint of heart.”
Thomas nodded in agreement. “There were days I wanted to quit. But I kept thinking—if I can push through, maybe another Black woman in education will believe she can too.”
Their accomplishments are already inspiring a new generation. Several early-career teachers in their districts have reached out, asking for mentorship.
“I tell them, ‘Be honest with yourself, study your craft, and don’t be afraid of growth,’” said Wilson.
And for both educators, growth means change. Each is considering a shift to higher education, where they hope to shape future educators.
“Moving to the collegiate level is the next natural step,” Thomas said. “I want to teach the teachers. Help them see the art in what we do.”
Wilson agrees. “Higher ed allows me to advocate for special education from a broader aspect. There’s still work to be done—especially around equity and inclusion.”
As their careers evolve, both women are clear about one thing: the journey doesn’t end here.
“This isn’t a retirement story,” Wilson said with a laugh. “It’s a reinvention story.”
In classrooms, boardrooms, and soon, possibly, on college campuses or even a quiet farmstead, Dr. Joeva Thomas and Dr. Kimberley Wilson are redefining what it means to be an educator in Alabama.
“Some people chase titles,” said Thomas. “We chase impact.”
