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DEAN ROAD ELEMENTARY TEACHER IS ALFA TEACHER OF MONTH
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AUBURN, Ala. -- Alice Yarbrough strives to make her classroom a constructive and nurturing environment for her students as she works to make them lifelong learners. Because of her efforts and dedication to her students, Yarbrough has been selected as Alfa's Teacher of the Month for November. As this month's winner, she'll receive $1,000 from Alfa Insurance, and her school, Dean Road Elementary in Auburn, will receive a matching award from the Alabama Farmers Federation.Yarbrough received her bachelor's degree in early childhood and elementary education from Athens State University, teaching in Decatur and Huntsville before receiving her master's in school psychometry from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She then taught in Mountain Brook before coming to Dean Road Elementary in 2002. "I believe that children learn best within a positive, nurturing environment," said Yarbrough, who teaches second-graders at Dean Road. "Children feel safe when they know what is expected of them and when limits are set. In a risk-free classroom my students are able to share ideas, encourage each other and are not afraid to take chances." Besides her classroom work, Yarbrough has set herself apart as a leader among her peers. "Mrs. Yarbrough often demonstrates her leadership abilities within our schools," said Nancy Golson, Dean Road Elementary principal. "She has served as a teacher mentor for new staff members. Mrs. Yarbrough has also utilized her many skills and experiences to facilitate growth within her community of colleagues." And Yarbrough has accomplished what is sometimes thought impossible -- her students want more school. "After spending a year in Mrs. Yarbrough's class, my daughter begged to come to summer school," said Dean Road Elementary School Counselor Christy Lessley. This year, Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation will recognize one teacher from each state school board district as well as two private school teachers and two principals. Application information is available online in the Ag Links section of www.alfafarmers.org under "Alfa Teacher of the Month."
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