Amanda Talantis

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GULF SHORES — Amanda Talantis, Hospitality & Tourism and Spanish teacher at Gulf Shores High School, has been selected as Secondary Teacher of the Year, and is one of 16 state finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year.

If selected as one of the top four state finalists for Teacher of the Year, Talantis will go onto the next round of the competition, with the winner announced at a banquet on May 10.

Talantis moved to Gulf Shores in 2013, where she began teaching Spanish at Gulf Shores High School. However, her green thumb and affinity for environmental wellness were quickly utilized and she began teaching hospitality and tourism courses with a focus in hydroponics and eco-tourism.

"I was a Spanish teacher first, but the school wanted to start a garden project," Talantis said. "I am friends with the career tech teacher, and the spark was when she came to my house and saw my compost and garden. After that, I switched and began teaching hospitality and tourism."

Talantis said the class teaches students how to grow and cook their own produce, and students also learn how to serve the food and plan a farm-to-table event that incorporates the skills they learn in class.

"I believe in project-based learning, and with the garden project what I've done is try to help the students find what they are passionate about," Talantis said. "Students will naturally gravitate to the things they are interested in and take ownership of their work. I try to reach all the kids on a personal level and have faith in them."

Talantis said she was selected for the honor by her colleagues and was in the greenhouse with her students when she heard the news of her win.

"I heard the band playing their instruments in the hallway, as it turns out they were looking for me in my classroom," Talantis laughs. "But I wasn't there, I was dealing with a major pipe burst in the greenhouse. There was water going everywhere, and I came out with my hands full of produce as the band was handing me balloons and gifts. I was shaking and there were tears, but it was very exciting."

As for what is next, Talantis said she wants to become proficient in other forms of immersive learning but isn't planning on leaving Gulf Shores any time soon.

"I am so lucky to be where I am, the school system is so supportive and they have a real vision for sustainability," Talantis said. "I want to see us continue to grow in that direction and continue to make my school system top notch."

Talantis said she owes all her success to her colleagues and the Gulf Shores School System.

"We became a school system in 2019, and since then everyone has really raised the bar," Talantis said. "Being in that environment has enabled me to feel like I can take on these projects, and I feel that I am set up for success here."