Lisa Hurst, a 6-12 English teacher at the Regional Alternative Education Center in Hillsville, has been selected as Carroll County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2008.

Hurst was honored with a bouquet of flowers and a trophy during a Nov. 11 presentation at the Carroll County School Board’s monthly meeting.

“It feels really good to be able to represent Carroll County. It is a really big honor because there are a lot of outstanding teachers all over the county that are just as deserving,” Hurst said. “It is a real honor and privilege. We work as a team (at the RAE Center) so I think that speaks highly of not just me, but the whole alternative education center.”

Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Kevin Harris presented the award “for outstanding teaching and dedication to the profession.”

Describing the process, Harris said each school in the division selects a teacher of the year to compete at the school division level. All nominees submit a portfolio consisting of an application, written responses to questions, and letters of references. A committee made up of teachers, principals, community members, central office staff and a school board representative then evaluate the portfolios. He said the process produced four candidates who where then interviewed by the committee.

“I am pleased to say that the candidates that we interviewed represent what I believe to be a very high level of teaching in Carroll County Public Schools,” Harris said. “The decision was difficult, but we are proud to announce that the 2008 Teacher of the Year is Lisa Hurst.”

Hurst has worked with Carroll County Public Schools for the past six years and she is currently completing her Masters Degree from Radford University. With the award, Hurst will now represent Carroll County in Region 7 for Virginia’s Teacher of the Year competition.