The Alabama State Department of Education this week announced two Athens High School teachers were selected to serve on its inaugural Superintendent’s Teacher Cabinet.

Michael May is a science and engineering teacher, while Paige Hicks teaches history. They are two of 21 educators selected from numerous applications submitted to the state superintendent’s office for consideration.

“I am honored and humbled to serve and represent the passionate, hard working, resilient teachers of this state. I hope that I can help make a positive difference,” May said.

The purpose of this group is to provide a direct avenue of communication with the state superintendent to discuss important issues regarding education. The opinions of classroom teachers are of utmost importance in ensuring students in Alabama receive an excellent education.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Superintendent’s Teacher Cabinet,” Hicks said. “I am looking forward to maximizing the opportunities afforded to me to represent teachers from our district at the state level.”

The teachers will meet with state superintendent Michael Sentance approximately twice each semester, and will also be invited to attend and speak at events pertinent to elevating the teaching profession.

There were several hundred applicants, reviewed by ALSDE staff and chosen by the state superintendent. The selected teachers will serve on the cabinet for one year terms. The 2017-18 Teacher of the Year will serve a two-year term. If any Alabama teacher is named a 2017 Milken Educator Award winner, they will automatically be added to the group.

“It is truly an honor to have two teachers from our district selected to serve on this first cabinet. I have every confidence that they will represent Athens well, and more importantly, will be a part of the conversation affecting change for public education across the state and here at home,” said Garner Ezell, director of curriculum and instruction for Athens City Schools. “We are understandably and incredibly proud of Michael and Paige.”

— Information for this article provided by Ginger Hickman, communications and strategic planning for Athens City Schools.