By Quinta Goines

The Pike County School Board recently congratulated Elena Romona Pop for being named the District 5 Teacher of the Year and for being a finalist to receive Alabama Teacher of the Year.

The school board put forth a resolution recognizing pop for her efforts as an English Language Learner teacher since 2011.

“She makes a conscientious effort and goes above and beyond to spend time getting to know her students and parents to get them the services they need while they are trying to learn the English language,” said Dr. Donnella Carter, administrative assistant to the Pike County superintendent.

Pop said a part of student success is having a good working relationship with parents and students. “I like to meet with parents regularly during conferences and school functions,” she said. “Students feel supported when they see parents and teachers working together to help them.”

Pop’s recognition stems from her ability to create a diverse learning atmosphere with personalized teaching methods for each student. Her 16-year career includes teaching abroad in Europe and she uses her bilingual skills to aid in effective teaching.

Pop prides herself working to ensure each student’s academic, social and personal growth. Her motto is “equipping students with necessary academic, emotional and social skills to be knowledgeable, productive, caring and responsible people.”

Pop said she was humbled to be selected as Pike County Teacher of the Year. “The award was a tremendous honor for me,” she said. “ It was definitely a surprise, but a very nice one.”

Pop is a graduate of the University of Oradea in Romania and the University of West Alabama in Livingston.