Dutton, Calvert named HCS teachers of the year

By Staff Reports  

The teachers and support personnel of the year of Hartselle City Schools were recently surprised by central office visitors announcing the awards. This tradition, now in its sixth year, continues to honor deserving individuals just before the fall semester concludes. 

Barkley Bridge Elementary School proudly recognized Jamie Dutton, the library media specialist, who not only received accolades at the school level but was also named the district’s elementary teacher of the year. School nurse Rebecca Summerford was recognized as the support staff member of the year. Meanwhile, Crestline Elementary School honored first-grade teacher Krista Blaxton and custodian Melinda Shaddrix with the prestigious awards. 

At F.E. Burleson, Shane Owens and school nurse Wendy Crawford received the recognition from their peers. The efforts of special education teacher Luke Southerland and administrative assistant Kelly Smith were acknowledged as they were named the teacher and support staff member of the year at Hartselle Intermediate School. 

Hartselle Junior High School celebrated the achievements of science teacher Leah Roden and secretary Theresa Bailey, who were named the winners. Meanwhile, Hartselle High School had the pleasure of acknowledging Melanie Calvert as the teacher of the year, and school nurse Tiffany Worley as the support staff member of the year. Calvert also holds the distinction of being the district’s secondary teacher of the year for Hartselle City Schools. 

The recipients of each award were selected by staff members at their respective schools. A committee, led by Tina Towers, the elementary curriculum coordinator for Hartselle City Schools, then determined the overall elementary and secondary teachers of the year to represent the district. 

Towers explained that these district winners will submit an application packet for the Alabama Teacher of the Year Award later this month, with the choice to attend the Blue Ribbon Conference or receive a $1,500 grant for their classrooms.