SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

MONTEVALLO – Montevallo Elementary School teacher Tim Ray was recently named the Alabama State Physical Education Elementary Teacher of the Year.

The award was handed out during a ceremony at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.

Ray has taught at Montevallo Elementary since 1980. He is a graduate of the University of Montevallo.

His program at MES has been as an example for other schools through the “Every Child A Winner” program and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. With a motto of “Moving Every Student,” his curriculum has a strong emphasis on outdoor and adventure education.

Ray’s students learn canoeing and kayaking on Shoal Creek. MES was also one of the first schools in Alabama to implement the Bicycle Federation’s Bicycle and Traffic Safety class.

He has been instrumental in establishing a close alliance with Alabama Special Olympics, where he is a certified coach in alpine and Nordic skiing, volleyball and athletics.

Students from MES have competed in tennis, track and field, and skiing in Alabama Special Olympics.

Other honors Ray has been awarded include: ASAHPERD Recreational Professional of the Year, Montevallo Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Montevallo Elementary PTO Teacher Excellence Award and the Who’s Who Among American Teachers