The Hope Institute Inducts Five Educators into the Hope Fellows Program
The Hope Institute is proud to announce the induction of five outstanding Alabama educators into the 2026 Hope Fellows cohort. Officially inducted in November 2026, these accomplished education leaders bring a wealth of experience, a shared commitment to character development, and a passion for helping schools create environments where students and educators can thrive.
Established in 2022, the Hope Fellows Program recognizes experienced educators who are committed to advancing character education and supporting fellow school leaders and educators across Alabama.
Hope Fellows play an important role in extending the reach of The Hope Institute's work. Through mentoring, professional learning, and sharing their experiences and expertise, they help equip educators with the knowledge, resources, and encouragement to make character development an intentional part of their school communities.
Meet the 2026 Hope Fellows
We are excited to introduce our newest Fellows:
CHRISTY AMICK
Christy Amick is principal of Chickasaw Intermediate School and brings more than two decades of experience in education, including previous service as principal of Chickasaw Elementary School, assistant principal, math coach, and classroom teacher. Throughout her leadership career, she has championed character development, school culture, and community engagement. Her schools have earned numerous distinctions, including Character.org Promising Practice recognition, CLAS Banner School honors, and School of Distinction recognition. Christy was named the 2022 AAESA District II Principal of the Year and has held leadership positions within the organization. She is especially passionate about creating opportunities for students and families to connect, including helping establish and later revive youth athletics in Chickasaw, with character education woven into the program.
Dr. ANTONIA ISHMAN
Dr. Antonia Ishman recently began serving as Senior Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction for Anniston City Schools, bringing more than two decades of experience in education. Her career with Birmingham City Schools included roles as a classroom teacher, reading coach, curriculum writer, assistant principal, and, beginning in 2016, principal of Booker T. Washington K-8 School. A National Board Certified Teacher, Dr. Ishman leads with a strong belief in the power of relationships, community, and opportunities for every student to succeed. Under her leadership, Booker T. Washington experienced a significant academic turnaround, improving from an F to a B on the state report card. She also championed whole-child development through expanded STEM, career and technical education, and dual-language opportunities. Through the Hope Leadership Academy, she and her team established the school's TRIBE core values—Trustworthy, Respectful, Integrity, Brave, and Empathetic—which became a foundation for the school's culture. Dr. Ishman brings a deep commitment to helping students feel a sense of belonging, discover their potential, and see themselves as capable of success.
NICK ROSE
Nick Rose is principal of Big Sandy Elementary, where he is committed to building a school community grounded in shared leadership, equity, and opportunities for every student to thrive. Under his leadership, Big Sandy has earned national recognition as both a Character.org Promising Practice School and a Solution Tree Model PLC School, reflecting the school's intentional focus on character, collaboration, and student growth. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Nick holds degrees in Political Science and History, Elementary Education, and Educational Leadership. His career has included teaching at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as serving as an assistant principal and principal. He is a graduate of the NAESP PK–3 Leadership Academy and was twice nominated for the Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame. Guided by his mission to help each child grow and SOAR so they can lead a flourishing life, Nick is passionate about partnering with educators and families to support children during their formative years.
DR. BRIAN SAULS
Dr. Brian Sauls has served as principal of Douglas High School since 2021, bringing a combination of classroom experience, school leadership, and a deep commitment to character education. He began his career as a middle and high school science teacher and coach, experiences that continue to shape his approach to leading and serving students and educators. A National Board Certified Science Teacher, Dr. Sauls holds degrees from Berry College, Auburn University, Jacksonville State University, and the University of West Alabama, and earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University. He was named the 2023–24 District 8 High School Principal of the Year. Character education is also central to his academic work: his doctoral dissertation explored the leadership practices that contribute to successful character education programs and National School of Character recognition. Dr. Sauls brings a valuable perspective on the intentional leadership and daily practices needed to build a lasting culture of character in high schools.
JENNIFER SWAFFORD
Jennifer Swafford has served as the school counselor at Cleburne County Middle School in Heflin, Alabama, for more than 20 years, dedicating her career to supporting students, families, and the broader school community. A 2025 Alabama School Counselor of the Year, Jennifer is passionate about helping students develop confidence, integrity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. She leads the school's Volunteer Mentoring and Peer Helper programs and created Girls Gone Mild, a character-focused experience that has helped middle school girls navigate adolescence through meaningful conversations and positive relationships for nearly two decades. Her work has contributed to Cleburne County Middle School earning multiple Character.org Promising Practice recognitions, including in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Jennifer believes in the power of proactive, relationship-centered school counseling and the importance of intentionally investing in the whole child.
Each of these five educators brings a unique perspective, professional expertise, and a shared passion for helping students become people of strong character. Their induction strengthens a growing community of education leaders who understand that character development is essential to creating schools where students feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.
The Hope Institute is grateful for their commitment to this work and looks forward to the leadership, collaboration, and continued impact they will bring.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the 2026 Hope Fellows!