Chelsea Park Elementary teacher Vickey Bailey has been named the District III Teacher of the Year, joining 15 other outstanding educators from across the state as finalists for the Alabama 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year.

Bailey has been teaching for 40 years, 26 of which have been with the Shelby County School District. She has spent the past 13 years at Chelsea Elementary and Chelsea Park Elementary where she currently is the Gifted Resource teacher. Bailey was selected as the Shelby County School’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in December, which qualified her submission to be recognized at the state level.

“Vickey Bailey is well deserving of this recognition. She is admired and respected by students, parents, and colleagues,” said Chelsea Park Elementary Principal Jennifer Galloway. “Mrs. Bailey understands the importance of building lasting relationships and the impact it has on students’ success.”

“She greets students getting off the bus and coming in the front door on a daily basis. It is common to have returning students visit our school just to see Mrs. Bailey,” Galloway added. “If a student appears upset she makes a point to check in with them and provide encouragement. She is a life long learner who continues to participate and lead professional development for others. She is a blessing to all whom she encounters.”

According to a press release from the Alabama State Department of Education, each of the 16 finalists has excelled in the classroom and in preparing all students for success through mentorship, innovative classroom instruction, and a personal commitment to academic achievement. The top 16 finalists were chosen from a field of 140 highly skilled educators who submitted official applications.

The 2019-2020 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced at a special ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 6 p.m., at the RSA Plaza Terrace in Montgomery.

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 National Teacher of the Year.

“Congratulations to these 16 innovative educators, who have been selected to represent our local districts and school regions,” said current Alabama Teacher of the Year, Zestlan Simmons, Advanced Placement English teacher from Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery. “These wonderful teachers are elevating our profession to new levels. They are working hard every day to ensure all students are prepared for success.”