By By Adam Prestridge
Alabama Sec. of State Nancy L. Worley was in town Thursday addressing the Escambia County Retired Teachers Association of Atmore, Brewton and Flomaton during its regular meeting.
Worley, who is the 50th secretary of state, spoke to the group of retired teachers about the similarities in her job serving the citizens of Alabama and teachers. She said both face difficult decisions each day, as well as, challenges. She said both require hard work and dedication.
"I thought they were very receptive and are a great group of educators," Worley said.
Twenty-seven retirees attended the meeting, which was held at Creek Family Restaurant in Atmore. ECRTA president Johnny Davis believes the meeting was a success despite a low turnout.
"It went very well," Davis said. "Mrs. Worley was very good. She motivated us to look for people in the upcoming elections that are going to be good for education and seniors. She said not to look at a person's political party, but to look at what people have to offer, what their platform is; what they stand for."
Worley also spoke about the importance of educators to encourage more young people to register to vote. She spoke of a program called Take A Kid to Vote, which helps youth understand the importance of voting and how they can have a say so in who or who isn't voted into office.
Being the eve of Veteran's Day, Worley also touched on her appreciation of the veterans who have served and died for our country. She expressed how important it is for teachers to promote patriotism in the classroom.
"Our veterans fought, bled and died to give us the right to live in a free country," Worley said. "We are able to vote and live free because of them."
Worley served in the classroom prior to getting into politics. She taught English and Latin at Decatur High School for 25 years, served as cheerleader sponsor and was advisor for several student clubs and activities. She also taught part-time for Northeast State Junior College and John C. Calhoun Community College for 20 years. In 1998, she became a membership recruiter for the Alabama Retired Teachers' Association, AEA/NEA, for an eight-county district.
She received her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Montevallo and her Master of Arts degree from Jacksonville University. She also studied at the University of London (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and Alabama (Huntsville).
Davis said the retired teachers meet quarterly and rotate meeting sites between Atmore and Brewton. The next ECRTA meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at Creek Family Restaurant. The guest speaker will be president of the Alabama Education Association, Ollie Underwood.