Dana Jacobson, Alabama Teacher of the Year

Commendation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Dana Jacobson graduated from Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts then earned her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB); and

WHEREAS, After six years of teaching in Japan and gaining experience in the business world, Dana began teaching at Clay-Chalkville High School in 1999 where she remains a dedicated teacher, extracurricular coach and mentor; and

WHEREAS, Dana felt called to teach and maintains a teaching philosophy that focuses on students, their individual needs and a blending of innovative and proven teaching methods; and

WHEREAS, Dana’s involvement extends well beyond the classroom. She also teaches public speaking, speech and debate, conducts college preparatory test preparation, calligraphy and other various areas of study; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her gift at teaching children and young adults, Dana also uses her talents to help develop future teachers; and

WHEREAS, Dana’s awards and accolades in the education community are numerous and distinguished, but her greatest joy comes from seizing teachable moments and guiding students toward the light of the “Aha!” moment; and

WHEREAS, In addition to operating a detail oriented, organized and well planned classroom and curriculum, Dana grasps a worldview of education that demonstrates advanced education philosophy and an understanding of the causes and effects of education issues and trends and solid concepts of resolutions to those issues; and

WHEREAS, Dana Jacobson has been distinguished as the 2016-2017 Alabama Teacher of the Year and is a shining example to all educators:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby commend

Dana Jacobson

on her achievement of 2016-2017 Alabama Teacher of the Year.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1^st day of May 2016.

Robert Bentley
Governor