Elberta elementary, middle and high school Teachers of the Year were honored by the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay (OCPB) at a recent meeting.

“Through dedication and commitment to their students, schools and community they are actively making our world a better place, one student at a time,” said Robin Newell, OCPB president.

Rachel Gilley was selected for Elberta Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. She is a native of Baldwin County, has a master’s degree in special education and has served in the Elberta community for 12 years.

Elissa Archer represents Elberta Middle School. She has been teaching since 2006. She has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in biology and is a nationally certified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teacher.

Theresa Togneri is Teacher of the Year at Elberta High School. In addition to teaching Spanish, she started a Spanish Club and has sponsored the Junior Optimist Club for more than three years. She has coached a chess team and recently started a Pickleball Club.