Corgill named state teacher of the year
Cherokee Bend Elementary School teacher Ann Marie Corgill was named 2014- 2015 Alabama Teacher of the Year in Montgomery on May 14. The ceremony was hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education.
Corgill originally set out to design and build homes, but she opted instead to create and construct firm foundations for students to stand on as they learn, grow and become successful contributing members of society.
“Day after day, year after year, I realize that my job is not simply about teaching, but reaching students by learning about them, honoring their passions, helping them overcome obstacles and building foundations so that they can achieve their goals, both as learners and people,” Corgill said.
Cherokee Bend Elementary Principal Betsy Bell said Corgill’s efforts to develop and cultivate a nourishing environment for young learners “is far beyond anything that I have ever seen in my 34 years of being an educator.”
Corgill believes that by seamlessly integrating social and emotional learning into current academic standards, educators can teach children self-management skills, responsible decision-making, and ethical problem-solving. The National Board Certified Teacher received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Alabama. She has served as the featured speaker at several education conferences throughout the state and nation and is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English. She currently holds a position on the Council’s Elementary Section Steering Committee.
The next step for the final four is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. The 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year will be revealed at a
Alabama’s Teacher of the Year spends the majority of the school year serving as the spokesperson for education and the teaching profession as well as presenting workshops to various groups. Additionally, Alabama’s representative is a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.