Drake, Whaley named CCBOE Teachers of the Year

CULLMAN, Ala. –  Hayley Drake and Amy Whaley have been named CCBOE Teachers of the Year, Cullman County Schools announced this week.

Drake, a reading specialist at Vinemont Elementary School, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year.

VES Principal Kim Brown said, “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. Hayley helped develop and implement our schoolwide 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. 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 science teacher at Hanceville Middle School, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.

HMS Principal Elizabeth Watwood shared,“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. 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.”

Drake and Whaley will both be in the running for Alabama Teacher of the Year.