SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Two Shelby County School teachers are on a short list for the Alabama Teacher of the Year Award, according to the state Department of Education.

Among finalist for the state honor are Cameron McKinley of Riverchase Elementary and Angela Walker of Mount Laurel Elementary School, both in the Shelby County School System.

Usually narrowed down to four, the competition was so intense this year the state committee had to select five finalists for the 2006-2007 award.

The prize pays homage to one individual selected to represent educators throughout the state. State Superintendent of Education Joseph B. Morton said the level of professionalism and commitment to education that these finalists have shown makes this year&8217;s competition particularly difficult to choose.

From the 16 initial finalists, the five selected advance to the interview component of the judging process. The state judges will select Alabama&8217;s Teacher of the Year in May.

Alabama&8217;s Teacher of the Year spends the majority of the school year serving as the state spokesperson for education, presenting workshops, speaking to various groups, and representing education and the teaching profession.

Other finalists include Silvia Scaife, Wrights Mill Elementary School, Auburn City Schools; Stoney Beavers, Cleveland High School, Blount County School System; and Angela Kennedy, Phillips Preparatory School – Mobile County School System.

Once bestowed the honor of Alabama&8217;s Teacher of the Year, the candidate is automatically a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year.

The 2006-2007 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced and honored along with district finalists at a reception in Montgomery on May 10