Shelby County’s best educators work hard throughout the school year to guide children to reach their full potential.

Those teachers were honored for their efforts Nov. 30 at Oak Mountain High School at a special awards program.

Out of 39 candidates for teacher of the year, three were chosen, one each from high school, middle school and elementary school categories.

Rose D’Alessio of Montevallo High School was named the high school teacher of the year, Lisa McEwen of Oak Mountain Middle School was named the middle school teacher of the year and Joy Porter of Elvin Hill Elementary School was named elementary school teacher of the year.

Porter, who has taught for 29 years, said she was honored to be chosen from among her peers.

“It’s just wonderful. I’ve taught for so long,” she said. “It’s such an honor. I know so many wonderful teachers.”

Superintendent Randy Fuller said he was proud to have so many wonderful teachers in his school system.

“We’re very proud of all our teachers. It’s quite an honor to be selected by your peers for teacher of the year,” he said. “It’s so good to see all our teachers and administrators here tonight.”

Also honored were eight Shelby County teachers who recently earned National Board Certification, the highest level of certification a teacher can earn.

Teachers who were honored for achieving National Board certification include Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary; Kelly Hill, Inverness Elementary; Lacey Hughes, Inverness Elementary; Jennifer Kiser, Linda Nolen Learning Center; Laurie Watson, Meadow View Elementary; Linda Sears, Oak Mountain Intermediate; DeEtte Currie, Special Services Center and Denise Davis, Special Services Center.

The other teacher of the year candidates who were honored were Wendy Williford, Calera Elementary; Suzanne Armfield, Chelsea Intermediate; Karen Pruitt, Chelsea Park Elementary; Heather Atkins, Creek View Elementary; Kim McCowen, Helena Elementary; Natalie Landrum, Helena Intermediate; Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary; Michael Jones, Linda Nolen Learning Center; Rebecca Austin, Meadow View Elementary; Karen Brooks, Montevallo Elementary; Celia Castle; Mt Laurel Elementary; Sally Flynn, Oak Mountain Elementary; Myra Watson, Oak Mountain Intermediate; Carlyn Duncan, Shelby Elementary; Gaile Randall, Thompson Intermediate; Leslie Nelson, Valley Elementary; Mary Foy, Valley Intermediate; Ashley Tilley, Vincent Elementary; Christina Wyatt Miskelly, Wilsonville Elementary; Leslie Blankenship, Calera Middle; Sherri Spears, Chelsea Middle; Makeisha Garrett, Columbiana Middle; JaNae Bozeman, Helena Middle; Sheila Jett, Montevallo Middle; Mary Butts Jones, Riverchase Middle; Cindy Zabala Thompson Middle; Jennifer Winslett, Thompson Sixth Grade Center; Paula Hughes, Alternative School; Katy Hope, Calera High; Farrah Fowler, Chelsea High; Judith Ann Archer, Oak Mountain High; Keri Reynolds Ross, Pelham High; Elizabeth Turnbull, School of Technology; Brookie Harbison, Shelby County High; Michelle Johnson, Thompson High; and Rhonda Mack, Vincent Middle/High.