Drake, Whaley named CCBOE Teachers of the Year
Published 10:03 pm Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Hayley Drake, 5th from left, a reading specialist at Vinemont Elementary School, is the CCBOE Elementary Teacher of the Year. Courtesy photo
Amy Whaley, 4th from left, a science teacher at Hanceville Middle School, is the CCBOE Secondary Teacher of the Year. Courtesy photo
Vinemont Elementary’s Hayley Drake and Hanceville Middle School’s Amy Whaley are the CCBOE Teachers of the Year.
Drake, a reading specialist, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“Hayley Drake has been an integral part of our school-wide reading transformation and our selection as an ARI Science of Reading Spotlight School in 2023–2024,” said Kim Brown, VES principal. “Hayley helped develop and implement our school-wide reading plan that ensures all of our students receive appropriate reading instruction. She serves as a coach and mentor for all teachers, and they are very comfortable asking her questions and seeking her advice. She works with students after school and leads our summer reading program. All of these things make her so important—but she does so much more.
“Hayley creates data documents, student data boxes, teacher instructional notebooks, enters or assists teachers in entering data into the appropriate places in PowerSchool for the Literacy Act, and completes coaching cycles with our teachers,” Brown added. “I know that this may not sound like what one would expect in a nominee, but to me, a Teacher of the Year is someone who makes a measurable impact on students and faculty—socially, emotionally and academically. Hayley touches so many students through her efforts as a coach, her facilitation of the Walk to Intervention groups, her willingness to help problem-solve, and her simple acts of kindness. Hayley is the Teacher of the Year in my eyes because our school would not be the great school it is without her.”
Whaley, a teaches science teacher at HMS, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“With 27 years of dedicated service to our school, Mrs. Whaley exemplifies excellence in education and continues to be a guiding force for both students and staff,” said Elizabeth Watwood, HMS principal. “Mrs. Whaley’s passion for science education is obvious. She continuously engages her students through innovative and hands-on learning experiences, fostering curiosity and a love for STEM. Her expertise in STEM education is evident, as she holds a National STEM Certification and serves as a certified AMSTI trainer, ensuring that both students and colleagues benefit from the latest instructional strategies and best practices in science education.
“Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Whaley is a true advocate for student success. She goes above and beyond to support and inspire her students, always making learning meaningful and impactful. She plays a pivotal role in shaping student leadership as the coordinator of the Student Ambassador Program—a program that empowers students to be role models and representatives of our school community. As a member of the school leadership team, she collaborates with colleagues to drive positive change and foster a culture of excellence at HMS. Her expertise has also been recognized on a larger scale, as she has had the honor of presenting at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference, sharing her enthusiasm about our school’s Simulated Workforce Program.
“Amy Whaley is an outstanding educator, mentor, and leader. Her unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to student success make her the ideal candidate for Teacher of the Year.”
These educators are eligible for Alabama Teacher of the Year.
