The Alabama School Public Relations Association has selected Terri Brewer, APR, as its 2026 Alabama School Communicator of the Year. 

Brewer was recognized recently at ALSPRA’s statewide conference in Tuscaloosa, where she also received an Excellence in Strategic Communication Award for her work in redesigning the school system’s website to meet new Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, as well as two Excellence in Communications awards for the TCSS Educator Recognition Awards and for the TCSS newsletters.

“Terri represents the very best of our profession. It has been a privilege watching her transition over the last eight years from a career in television news into the school public relations leader that she is today,” said ALSPRA President Rena Philips. “She leads with integrity, lifts up those around her, and approaches every challenge with both strategy and heart. Terri is not only an outstanding communicator—she is a model for all of us in school public relations.” 

The Alabama School Public Relations Association (ALSPRA) is a statewide network of school communicators dedicated to strengthening public education through effective communication. ALSPRA supports members with professional development, best practices, and strategic resources to enhance transparency, engagement, and community support for schools.

Each year, ALSPRA selects a member as Communicator of the Year, in recognition of outstanding work in the field of school public relations.

Terri Brewer has served as Director of Public Relations for the Tuscaloosa County School System since 2018. Brewer is a two-time recipient of the National School Public Relations Association’s Gold Medallion Award, which is the organization’s highest honor for strategic communication work. She has presented at two NSPRA National Seminars, sharing her expertise with school public relations professionals from across the country.

Brewer also led the development and implementation of TCSS University, a program to inform and engage advocates for students and schools. As of this year, nearly 200 Tuscaloosa County residents have completed TCSS U. TCSS U has been recognized with state and national honors, and several other Alabama school systems have created similar programs modeled after TCSS U. 

“What stood out most to our selection committee was her integrity, her mentorship of others, and her unwavering commitment to telling the story of public education with care and purpose,” ALSPRA Treasurer Nicole Wheeler said.

Brewer holds the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation, a national credential that demonstrates strategic communication expertise, ethical practice, and a dedication to continuous learning. 

As an affiliate of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), ALSPRA’s Communicator of the Year honoree becomes a nominee for National School Communicator of the Year.