Greenville Middle School teacher W.S. Godwin said his selection as a finalist for the state Teacher of the Year was a &#8220humbling” experience.

&#8220It's something I will remember down the road,” Godwin, the longtime secondary school teacher said on Friday. &#8220Especially being a common little teacher here in Butler County.”

Pamela Harman, an earth science teacher at Spain Park High School in Hoover, was named Alabama Teacher of the Year for 2007-08 on Tuesday night in Montgomery.

Godwin was one of four finalists selected as secondary Teacher of the Year. He attended Tuesday's ceremony, held at RSA Plaza Terrace in the Capitol City.

&#8220It's quite an honor and a unique experience,” he said. &#8220Everyone in Montgomery and on the state board (of education) was really nice and highly complimentary.”

State Superintendent of Education Joseph B. Morton said Godwin and teachers like him are the &#8220best of the best.”

&#8220We owe a debt of gratitude to every teacher in Alabama who works hard and goes the extra mile to ensure our children obtain a quality education. However, the teachers named tonight stand out, even among such great colleagues,” Morton said.

Godwin said he received approximately $500 in computer software and other materials to utilize in the classroom.

When asked if the four cartons of Blue Bell Ice Cream - given by the company to recognize Godwin's achievement - had been eaten, Godwin replied with a laugh: &#8220Yes, I have.”

Christine M. Sealy, an elementary school teacher at J. Larry Newton Elementary School in the Baldwin County School System, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Alternate State Teacher of the Year.