In light of much negative attention focused on education in general and teaching specifically, some good news in these areas serves as a welcome reminder that there are many positive things occurring in education.

Recently two local educators were nominated to compete in the 2001 ALL-USA TEACHER TEAM. This award, sponsored by USA TODAY, seeks 20 teachers from across the country to honor as representatives of all outstanding teachers. The fourth annual all teacher team will be featured in USA TODAY in October, and the 20

first team members will receive trophies and $2,500 for their schools. In addition, 20 teachers each will be honored in the paper as members of the second and third teams.

Beth Burnette and Betty Whittle of W.O. Parmer School have been nominated by their principal, Carole Teague, to compete in the ALL-USA TEACHER contest. Both Whittle and Burnette said that the evaluation process was quite lengthy and stringent. In addition to listing their educational background, professional credentials and experience, and honors and awards, each teacher had to write essays on her leadership roles, her school and students, and how she achieved the success described by her nominator.

"It is a great honor for me that my principal feels I am worthy of this nomination," said Burnette. She sees it not just as a personal honor, if selected, but also as an honor for her school and community.

"Whittle said, "We know that we have a terrific school system, but this honor would just verify for others what we already know."

Both women gave credit toPrincipal Teague for reaching out to the community to make everyone aware of the great strides being made at W.O. Parmer. This nomination is just another aspect of that outreach. "Even if we don't win," Burnette said, "it is still a tribute that our principal holds us in such high regard.

Principal Teague said, "Based upon the recommendation of the Teacher Recognition committee at our school, it is an honor and pleasure for me to be able to nominate outstanding teachers like Mrs. Burnette and Mrs. Whittle for such a prestigious honor as the USA TODAY contest. While I consider that all the teachers at W.O. Parmer demonstrate excellence in teaching on a daily basis, I would like to wish Mrs. Burnette and Mrs. Whittle well in their quest for being named to the ALL USA TODAY TEACHER TEAM. They so richly deserve that distinction."