Foley Middle School awarded Annie Shoots its’  2010 Teacher of the Year recognition.

Shoots has taught in Foley for 13 years, 12 of which have been at FMS. She began her teaching career at Foley High School in 1998. She teaches seventh-grade English and literature.

She is from Foley and lives in Elberta. She is married and has three kids. She received her undergraduate and masters degrees in education from the University of South Alabama.

“I’m currently working on my doctorate at Grand Canyon University,” Shoots said. “It’s online.”

This is the second time Shoots was named teacher of the year at FMS. She sat down with The Foley Onlooker to discuss her feelings on standardized testing, what grades she would like to teach besides seventh sand what she has learned in her 13 years as a teacher.

Q: What is your favorite subject?

A: I’m torn. I love writing. I love doing essay composition that goes along with English. In literature, I love being exposed to the different genres of literature.

Q: Are there any grades that you would like to teach besides seventh grade?

A: I’d love to teach college courses. I would also love going back to high school. I don’t think I’d want to teach elementary grades.

Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?

A: I love the interaction with the students and when the students finally master a concept. There’s so many. I also love the special activities we do outside of traditional classwork.

Q: What is your least favorite part about teaching?

A: I dislike standardized tests because they’re not a true evaluation tool, in my opinion. They don’t paint the whole picture. I prefer performance-based assessments and alternative assessments. Some students just aren’t good test-takers.

Q: How much time do you spend on your job outside of teaching your students?

A: I feel like I live here. On any given day, you’ll see my Explorer parked out in the parking lot until 6 p.m. I’m here by 7:15 a.m. I probably spend a good 60 hours a week, but when I go home, it’s home time. I try and take off that teaching cap because it’s unfair to my children.

    Q: What have you learned the most in your 13 years of teaching?

A: I’ve learned that in this quest of knowledge, you never stop learning. Sometimes, we as the teachers turn into students when the students teach us about life. I don’t think I’ll ever finish learning until I close my eyes and leave Earth.

Q: How much do you enjoy the months of June, July and August?

A: June is my favorite month. It’s so rewarding. It’s my official true break. July is a preparation month for the next year.