VHHS teacher selected as one of the Alabama Teacher of the Year Final Four

VHHS teacher Jennifer Brown has been named one of the "Final Four" for Alabama’s 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year.

“The final four candidates are innovative and enthusiastic educators who are committed to cultivating life-long learners and helping students achieve success in the classroom and beyond,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice. “They offer to our students the best of what quality instruction can give.”

The next step for the final four is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. The 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. at the RSA Plaza Terrace in Montgomery.

Finalists emerged from more than 130 educators across the state who submitted applications for the Alabama Teacher of the Year Program. Applicants submitted packets outlining education history, professional biographies, community involvement and philosophies of teaching.

Alabama’s Teacher of the Year spends the majority of the school year serving as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession as well as presenting workshops to various groups. Additionally, Alabama’s representative is a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year.

In March, Brown, who teaches physical science, was announced as Vestavia City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Montevallo.