Fifteen nominees were nominated in three categories.

Elementary Division 2012 Inductee Ms. Katie Oliver Memorial Park School Jasper City Schools
Middle School Division 2012 Inductee Ms. Katherine Pickens Greenville Middle School Butler County School System
Secondary Division 2012 Inductee Ms. Stephanie Matthews White Plains High School Calhoun County School System

The speaker was Dr. Thomas Bice, Alabama Superintendent of Education. Rebecca O. Turner, Provost of Jacksonville State University Dr. Turner announced that a $1,000.00 stipend for use by the inductees to enhance their professional development was mailed to the principal of their respective schools.

Mr. Jerry Burfitt, President of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Alabama made a presentation of a certificate of recognition by that organization and also indicated that a check would be mailed to the inductees.

A History of the Jacksonville State University Teacher Hall of Fame

In 1969, Jacksonville State University initiated a Teacher Hall of Fame under the direction of Dr. Houston Cole, who was president at that time. This program was to honor and to recognize the classroom teachers of the public schools in the State of Alabama.

Specific criteria are used to select nominees. Nominees must be currently teaching subject matter to students at least 50% of each school day. Degrees held, length of teaching experience, and current teaching assignments are also taken into consideration. No preference is given to nominees that may have attended Jacksonville State University. They must maintain exemplary standards of behavior and ethics, exhibit leadership, be enthusiastic about teaching, demonstrate competency in subject matter, work well with colleagues and administrators, and constantly seek to encourage, inspire and motivate students toward greater accomplishment.

Each public school system in the state is urged to participate by nominating one elementary teacher, one middle-level teacher, and one secondary teacher each year to be considered for this award. Each school system determines the composition of the local selection committee, but it is suggested that members of the community be represented. The three nominations from each local school system must be sent to the state chairman no later than the established deadline.

The president of Jacksonville State University appoints the state chairperson. The current chairperson is Dr. Kelly Ryan of Jacksonville State University. The chairperson appoints a five-member Selection Committee that reviews all nominations and selects the top five finalists in each category. These five finalists are interviewed by the Selection Committee. The final selections are made by secret ballot voting. All finalists attend a Teacher Hall of Fame banquet at Jacksonville State University at which the winner is announced. Teachers who receive the Hall of Fame award will have a plaque in their honor placed in the lobby of the Houston Cole Library on the Jacksonville State University campus.

Elementary Members of the JSU Teacher Hall of Fame

Middle School Members of the JSU Teacher Hall of Fame

Secondary School Members of the JSU Teacher Hall of Fame