Her colleagues at West Madison Elementary School have selected Emily Wolfe as 2015 “Teacher of the Year.” (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – West Madison Elementary School selected media specialist Emily Wolfe as “Teacher of the Year.”

“This recognition means a great deal to me. I’m truly honored,” Wolfe said.

Wanting to teach since childhood, Wolfe gathered “all my stuffed animals and dolls to read to them. I wake up every day excited to go to work and always strive to do my best.”

Wolfe encourages teachers to bring students to the media center and collaborates with teachers for whole- and small-group lessons.

Along with managing the library’s 22,000-plus items, Wolfe helps with iPads and other technology tools. She enjoys special events, like Seuss Week, hosting authors/speakers and helping with book fairs. “I’m proud of our Book Buddies student volunteers, Kindergarten Reading Night, Lunch Bunch and Birthday Book Club,” Wolfe said.

“Keeping our collection up-to-date with a limited budget is very challenging,” Wolfe said. Staying informed about technology is a challenge that she welcomes.

She has chaired West Madison’s Technology Committee several years, sponsors ChessKids program and looks forward to sponsoring The Good News Club.

“I have both the privilege and responsibility of helping students develop a love for reading. Reading plays such an important role in student achievement across all grade levels and subjects,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe always will remember her fifth-grade teacher and confidence builder, Pat McMillion. “She turned on a lamp, sat in a rocker and read aloud to the class,” Wolfe said. In addition, she admires Dr. Terry Davis, then principal at Meridianville Middle School when she started teaching.

Wolfe earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Alabama.

Before teaching, Wolfe worked at Madison Public Library. During 14 years, she has taught at Meridianville, Hazel Green and Sparkman high and Legacy elementary schools. She has worked at West Madison since 2008. A member of Alabama School Library Association, Wolfe was nominated for the Herman Moore LAMP Award.

Her husband Gabe works as senior audit associate at Warren Averett CPAs. Their son will enter kindergarten in August.

Wolfe acknowledged support from principal Dr. Daphne Jah and aide Linda Moe.