Spain Park's Pamela Harman named to JSU Teacher Hall of Fame

Spain Park High School science teacher Pamela Harman has been inducted into the 2015 Jacksonville State University (JSU) Teacher Hall of Fame.  

She joins 12 other past/present Hoover City Schools educators who have earned this honor.  The JSU Teacher Hall of Fame honors and recognizes classroom teachers of public schools in the State of Alabama who stand out above the rest.

Fifteen nominees were nominated in three categories: elementary, middle and secondary. Inductees were chosen based on a host of criteria, including commitment to the teaching profession, ethics, classroom leadership, community service and more.

"This award was only possible because I had great mentors like Tammy Dunn (HCS Chief Academic Officer for Mathematics and Science) who taught me what it means to be an effective teacher, amazing colleagues like Melisa Guthrie who continue to challenge me and push me toward excellence and the support of my family members who have encouraged me through each endeavor," Harman said.

"Dr. Harman is a gifted teacher who is deeply passionate about successful student learning in her science classes, and Hoover City Schools is most fortunate that yet another of our great educators has been recognized by the Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame," said Dr. Ron Dodson, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

Prior to Harman's induction, Hoover City Schools celebrated other JSU Teacher Hall of Fame Inductees, including three elementary-level inductees; seven middle-school inductees; and one high-school inductee.  

In 1969, Jacksonville State University initiated a Teacher Hall of Fame under the direction of Dr. Houston Cole, who was president at that time. According to JSU, specific criteria are used to select nominees. Nominees must be currently teaching subject matter to students at least 50 percent of each school day.

Degrees held, length of teaching experience, and current teaching assignments are also taken into consideration. No preference is given to nominees that may have attended Jacksonville State University.

Nominees must maintain exemplary standards of behavior and ethics, exhibit leadership, be enthusiastic about teaching, demonstrate competency in subject matter, work well with colleagues and administrators, and constantly seek to encourage, inspire and motivate students toward greater accomplishment.