Hayden Elementary teacher Lisa Hargett is one of 16 finalists to be Alabama’s 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year. The Alabama Department of Education chose an elementary and secondary teacher from each of the eight state school districts.

By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



A Hayden Elementary teacher is one of 16 finalists to be Alabama’s 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year.

Lisa Hargett said it would be an honor to represent Alabama teachers.

“I would love to be a spokesperson for my profession,” said Hargett, a fourth-grade teacher for 16 years.

Serving as a spokesperson is exactly what the winner will do.

Alabama’s teacher of the year “spends the majority of the school year serving as the spokesperson for education and the teaching profession,” according to a press release from the Alabama Department of Education.

Hayden Elementary principal Dr. Shelly Vail-Smith said that losing Hargett for a year would be the sole negative aspect of Hargett winning the honor.

“She’s just an incredible teacher,” said Vail-Smith. “I love walking into her classroom. I always see something new and innovative. Over the years, I’ve seen her do really neat things academically and with kids personally.”

Vail-Smith said that several years ago, Hargett had a student with a “horrible home situation.”

“I saw Mrs. Hargett go out and buy shoes and clothes for him,” said Vail-Smith. “It’s those kinds of things that make her an incredible teacher.”

Vail-Smith said that Hargett’s passion for technology and her willingness to be a leader benefits the entire school.

“She raises the standard for the whole grade level,” said Vail-Smith.

Hargett has taught at Hayden Elementary for 13 years and taught at Fultondale Elementary for three years.

Her roots are in north Jefferson County. She was raised in Warrior and graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School.

Teaching is a family profession for Hargett. Her husband, Alan Hargett, is principal of Hayden High School. Her brother-in-law also teaches at Hayden High School and she has two sisters who are retired teachers.

Hargett has worked hard to excel at teaching.

In November 2008, she received her National Board Certification.

The same day she found out she had passed the certification process, Hargett also learned that she was named the Blount County Teacher of the Year and that she had received a Blount County Education Foundation grant.

Hargett has written numerous grants and has served as a national board state grant evaluator.

She said has gone through the rigorous process of applying for Alabama teacher of the year in order to make herself an even better teacher.

“The reason I’m doing this is so doors will be opened. Through this process, more opportunities are given to me,” she said. “I just want to share all I’ve experienced with other teachers.”

The Alabama Department of Education chose an elementary and secondary teacher from each of the eight state school districts.

The 16 finalists are scheduled to attend a live statewide broadcast awards ceremony on May 13 in Montgomery, where the winner will be named.

The Alabama winner is then eligible to win the national teacher of the year competition.