Even in retirement, Nick and Terry Saban continue to make it clear that their greatest work in Alabama extends beyond football. Their long-standing commitment to helping children grow into their fullest potential remains at the heart of their mission, and this week, that dedication was on display once again in Tuscaloosa.
At the Tuscaloosa River Market, 70 educators from schools across West Alabama were celebrated during the 14th Annual Nick’s Kids Foundation Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon. The honorees represented Hale, Greene, Pickens, Fayette, Sumter, Perry and Tuscaloosa counties.
According to WIAT (CBS 42), the Sabans returned to Tuscaloosa to host the event, which recognizes educators who go above and beyond in their classrooms and communities.
Nick Saban reflected on why honoring teachers remains a central part of the foundation’s work. “You’ve heard me say it before – coaching is teaching, and teaching is the ability to inspire learning, and I think that’s something we want to recognize,” he said in the report.
Terry Saban emphasized how retirement has allowed them to be even more present for initiatives that matter deeply to them. “Now that we’re retired, we have more time to enjoy things like this, prepare for things like this,” she said. She added that throughout Nick’s final coaching years, finding balance became increasingly difficult, making this chapter especially meaningful.
Tuscaloosa City Schools shared that 17 of its teachers were among the 70 recognized, applauding their dedication and impact in a Facebook post celebrating the occasion.
Fayette Elementary School also joined in the celebration, announcing that Mrs. Amanda Musgrove was selected as one of this year’s honorees. The school congratulated her publicly and thanked her for the “wonderful job” she does each day for students.
Now in its 14th year, the Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon has become a cornerstone of the Sabans’ philanthropic efforts. Each educator was recognized on stage and received an award certificate from Terry Saban.
For many, the moment was deeply meaningful. Verner Elementary special education teacher Dana Ortiz told the outlet, “To be honored by the Sabans is a big honor. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.”
Nick Saban has often spoken about the foundation’s purpose. In remarks highlighted in a school Facebook post, he said, “You’ve obviously set the standard for excellence in your profession for what you do for young people and how you help young people develop.” He added, “Coaching is teaching. Teaching is the ability to inspire learning.”
Educators attending the luncheon were also given a preview of several new hands-on exhibits developed for the Saban Center, the Sabans’ expanding education and STEM hub. The station reported that these features include:
– A working forest exhibit, developed in partnership with Westervelt, teaching students about environmental sustainability
– A drone center, created alongside the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Huntsville-based INTREPRID, demonstrating how drones are used across various career fields
– An electricity exhibit in partnership with Alabama Power, introducing students to circuits, currents and other energy-related STEM concepts
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
