I. Procedures

    A. Each public school system in Alabama is eligible to nominate one elementary teacher, one middle      school teacher, and one secondary teacher each year for the Teacher Hall of Fame Awards.

    B. School systems are urged to participate and are asked to observe the following procedures and criteria:

        1. Each county board of education and each city board of education shall determine the procedure for a local committee to screen nominations in accordance with criteria as stated and to select one teacher nominee from each category as the Teacher Hall of Fame nominations from their respective systems.

        2. Each school system shall determine the composition of the local committee; however, it is suggested that there be some community representation on the committee.

        3. Persons eligible for nomination must currently be teaching subject matter to students fifty percent or more of each school day.

        4. The three nominations from each local school system must be sent to the state chairman no later than the established deadline.

        5. Nomination, support letters, etc., concerning each nominee shall be limited to:

            a. Executed nominee form signed by the superintendent

            b. Letter of recommendation from principal of school where the nominee is teaching.

            c. Letters from two colleagues.

            d. Letters from two former students of nominee.

            e. A current resume or vita.

            f. A philosophy of education.

    C. Selection procedures will be as follows:

        1. The president of Jacksonville State University will appoint the state chairperson.

        2. The state chairperson will appoint a ten member Selection Committee. The committee will review all nominations and select the top five finalists in each category.

        3. In March, the top five finalists in each category will be interviewed by the Selection Committee.

        4. Following the interview, each member of the Selection Committee will execute a ballot listing the finalists in order of preference, place ballot in an envelope, seal it, give it to state chairperson.

        5. In May, all finalists will attend a Teacher Hall of Fame Program at Jacksonville State University. Winners will be announced at this May program.

II. Criteria for selection of nominee

    A. Training and experience

        1. Length of college and/or university attendance and degrees held.

        2. Length of teaching experience.

        3. The current teaching assignment must be consistent with the type of nomination (elementary, middle, or secondary).

    B. Personal and social traits

        1. Establishes positive relationships with students.

        2. Maintains exemplary standards of behavior and ethics.

        3. Is fair, impartial, and consistent in treatment of students.

        4. Exhibits leadership and self confidence.

        5. Possesses a sense of humor.

        6. Is enthusiastic concerning teaching.

    C. Professional Characteristics

        1. Demonstrates competency in subject matter.

        2. Keeps abreast of modern trends, techniques, and innovations in teaching.

        3. Possesses knowledge of overall area of child growth and development.

        4. Works cooperatively with colleagues and school administrators.

        5. Strives to appraise and evaluate students’ work objectively.

        6. Constantly seeks to encourage, inspire, and motivate students toward greater inquisitiveness and accomplishment.

    D. Community Activities

        1. Participates in civic organizations.

        2. Seeks to be knowledgeable of the overall school community.

        3. Exhibits leadership in community projects.

        4. Utilizes resources of the community in teaching activities.