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ETOWAH COUNTY TEACHER HONORED BY ALFA
"MONTGOMERY, Ala.," A third grade teacher from Ivalee Elementary School, Billy J. Jenkins, was recognized this month as part of Alfa's Teacher of the Month program. In honor of his accomplishments, the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance will award Jenkins and his school $1,000 each. Mr. Jenkins has been teaching third grade at Ivalee since 1993 and formerly taught first and second grade at the school. He holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of Montevallo and a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama. He received his education specialist degree in administration from Jacksonville State University. "I believe that by teaching students to be problem solvers and teaching students how to think are equally important," Mr. Jenkins said. "In addition, developing the child as a 'whole' human being is important. I firmly believe that my role, and every teacher's role, is to develop an individual who not only can do his schoolwork, but can exhibit compassion and feelings." Ed Vance, the principal at Ivalee School, said Mr. Jenkins challenges his students to think beyond the knowledge and look toward the application of concepts he introduces. "He not only challenges his students, but the faculty as well," he said of Mr. Jenkins. "The teachers value and respect his opinion greatly." Mr. Jenkins was the 1998 District VIII Alabama State Teacher of the Year and that same year was named Teacher of the Year for Ivalee School and Etowah County. He participates in several professional and civic activities and volunteers much of his time to community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Child Advocacy Center of Gadsden. During 2001, the Alfa Teacher of the Month program will honor one outstanding public school teacher from each of the state's eight public school board districts; two private school teachers and two principals. Each winner is selected based on an independent committee's evaluation of the applications received.
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