BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan T. Lee has announced the 2012 Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Anne Elizabeth Arnold Davis from Bay Minette Intermediate School has been chosen as the 2012 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Richard W. McCracken, fine arts teacher, Foley High School, has been chosen as this year’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“They are outstanding representatives of their schools and Baldwin County – we’re delighted to recognize them as our 2012 Teachers of the Year,” Dr. Lee said.

Anne Elizabeth Arnold Davis says she has taught for 40 years, 16 in her present position as a fifth-grade teacher at Bay Minette Intermediate School.

“Growing up in a large extended family of teachers and preachers, my first exposure to a career was that of teaching,” Davis said.

“Teaching is a way to change the pattern of a student’s life. Having money enables one the freedom to buy things, but a good education gives a person the freedom to choose his way in life.”

 Both students and administrators praise Davis. Abby Hamilton, principal, says her “enthusiasm, innovativeness and genuine concern” for students is exemplary. Courtney Stewart, a former student, wrote to the Teacher of the Year judges that Davis “makes up catchy songs to help her students in how to do procedures in math,” and said, “she puts others in front of herself.”

Davis has taught at Foley High School for four years. He retired to the Gulf Coast after a career in corporate America. He was a manager for J.C. Penny Co., managing and training project teams at local stores and on a district level. However, he wanted to teach and followed his dream at Foley.

“Most everyone knows this is my second career but it is the one that I love the most,” he said.

Russ Moore, Foley High School principal, says McCracken was even enlisted by the Alabama State Department of Education to develop the state curriculum for the Art Survey class.

"While students enjoy his art classes, they are especially fond of his ability to teach guitar. He formed an after school guitar club and also developed a mid-day enrichment program."

Baldwin County employees more than 2,100 teachers at 44 schools.

“We are incredibly proud of all of our teachers. They make a difference in the lives of children daily and regularly put Baldwin County on the map for excellence in education,” Dr. Lee said.