**From left: Steve McKenzie, Zoie Frazier, LaNaye Stokes, Emily Wells, Shelia Wright, Susan Debrow, Stacey Williams, and Richard Dennis**

BY AMANDA PEVEY

ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS

Top Photo: From left: Ayena Jackson, Erika Shockley, Shelby Nobles, Beverlee Forney, Leah McAlister, Walter Porter, Alicia Diggs, Adrinnia Strum and Richard Dennis

On Tuesday, November 16^th, 2021 the teacher of the year awards were presented in the Board of Education building in Wetumpka. Superintendent Richard Dennis spoke in front of the crowd before awards were presented.

“We’re recognizing teachers this year that are performing at a very high level. I just want to thank the ones that are here tonight. You all are performing at a very high level, your colleagues and your schools are recognizing that. I want to thank you for what you do for our children and your administrators are proud of you for being in this position. You are leading your school and we very much appreciate you,” said Dennis.

Jennie Barrett, who is the curriculum program coordinator, coordinated this event. She explained how the process works to become a teacher of a year. First, the teachers are nominated by a committee at their school. Then an interview takes place for all nominees and if a teacher is chosen as an Elmore County teacher of the year, an application will be filled out as well.

There are two divisions, elementary and secondary. Elementary is Kindergarten through 6^th grade and Secondary is 7^th through 12 grade.

The middle schools will have two representatives, one from elementary and one for secondary representing their schools along with the chosen teacher of the year.

“I want to thank the judges who helped us with the process. These judges are retired Elmore County teachers and they continue to come back when we ask them to volunteer and do things for us. We are very grateful for that,” said Barrett. The retired teachers were: Jackie Earnest, Jane Robbins, Evelyn Boyd, and Donna Goodwin.

“I want to thank our sponsors as well. First Community Bank is the primary sponsor for teacher of the year, and two other sponsors are River Bank and Alabama Power Company,” said Barrett.

Steve McKenzie, who is the curriculum director for elementary education, presented the elementary teachers their awards.

Ayena Jackson, who is the curriculum director for middle school, presented the middle school teachers their awards.

Jamey McGowin, who is the curriculum director for secondary education, presented the high school teachers their awards.

**From left: Jamey McGowin, Walter Snelick, Trey Fetner, Abigail Betts, Jeff Glass, Amy Colquitt and Richard Dennis**

Teacher of the Year awards for the K-6^th Elementary are: Zoie Frazier (ARIS), LaNaye Stokes (CES), Emily Wells (EES), Sheila Wright (HES), Susan Debrow (RES), Stacey Williams (WES), Ericka Shockley (EMS), Beverlee Forney (HMS), Leah McAlister (MMS), and Shelby Nobles (WMS).

Teacher of the Year awards for the 7^th – 12^th grade Secondary are: Walter Porter (EMS), Rachael Jones (HMS), Alicia Diggs (MMS), Adrinnia Strum (WMS), Walter Snelick (ECHS), Trey Fetner (HHS), Abigail Betts (SEHS), Jeff Glass (WHS), and Amy Colquitt (ECTC).

The Elmore County Teacher of the Year for Elementary is: Shelby Nobles (WES) and the Elmore County Teacher of the Year for Secondary is: Jeff Glass (WHS).

All of these teachers that were recognized have done an outstanding job leading their schools. They all worked hard and performed very well. Thank you to all of the Teachers!

See More Photos Below.