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BLOUNT COUNTY MATH TEACHER IS ALFA'S TEACHER OF MONTH
 | | Joyce M. Waid |
For Joyce M. Waid teaching mathematics is more than just helping students memorize formulas. It's about encouraging "active participation" in the classroom and helping students use math to "construct meaning within the world around them," she said.Thanks to her enthusiasm for teaching and dedication to her students, Waid has been named Alfa's Teacher of the Month for March. As this month's winner, Waid will receive $1,000 from Alfa Insurance, and her school, Locust Fork High School, will receive a matching award from the Alabama Farmers Federation. Waid received her bachelor's degree from Judson College in 1978 and later earned her master's degree from the University of Alabama. Students, colleagues and administrators are proud to recognize Waid's achievements. In fact, she had the honor of being Blount County's Teacher of the Year for both 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. Locust Fork Assistant Principal Tim Clevenger first met Waid when she taught him math in the eighth grade. He then became her colleague and is now her supervisor. "Her kind voice, wit and caring attitude were all an integral part of what inspired me to become a teacher," said Clevenger. Colleague Grindl Weldon agrees Waid is a role model for both students and teachers. "Joyce's enthusiasm for learning, as well as the art of teaching, is inspirational and contagious," said Weldon. Waid is humble about her ability and accomplishments.
"Although I was born to teach, I was not a born teacher. It has taken 28 years of experience and lessons learned the hard way to get to this point," said Waid. Now that Waid is known as an accomplished educator, she says she enjoys sharing her experiences and expertise with colleagues. She does this by being involved in the Alabama Mathematics, Science, and Technology Initiative and by working with her school's mentoring program. 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 AlfaFarmers.org under "Alfa Teacher of the Month."
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