BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Jan Smith has been selected by her peers at the Teacher of the Year at Bay Minette Elementary. She serves as the school’s media specialist and previously served as computer coach and kindergarten teacher.

Dr. Zack Wigstrom, BMES Principal, praised Smith for her contributions to the entire student body. “Mrs. Smith is one of those teachers that you know you can count on,” the new principal said. “Since coming here everyone has said ‘Find Jan Smith, she will get you headed in the right direction.’ I saw that as soon as I came on board.”

Wigstrom said Smith is a “hard worker and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the kids get what they need. She is a special person with a wonderful family that BMES is lucky to have.”

He said it’s evident that her peers agree as it was their votes that earned her the accolade. “I knew we had made the right choice for Teacher of the Year when I announced it because all of the teachers faces lit up and were so happy for her,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of this BMES family and proud to say that Jan Smith is one of the many great teachers we have here.”