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Andalusia High School alumnus Daniel Jermaine Shakespeare is following in his father’s footsteps by being named Duluth Middle School Teacher of the Year 2019 in Georgia.

Shakespeare is the son of current Andalusia High School principal Dr. Daniel Shakespeare.

He is currently employed in his 13^th year as a seventh and eighth-grade science and connection course teacher.

Among several of his accomplishments, one of them is creating DMS’ first young B.R.O.S. organization. Young Brothers was created to give middle school boys a positive role model, etiquette skills, provide services to others and to learn leadership skills.

Shakespeare’s efforts to be a positive influence on young males lead to him becoming a Connection/Peer Leader teacher, as well as teaching science.

The Connection/Peer Leaders are a group of students in grades six, seven and eight that have an interest in helping others. Their role is to promote a positive school climate by encouraging others to accept differences, practice random acts of kindness, offer support and be cooperative and flexible in interactions with others. Peer leaders may be asked to take part as positive members in small social groups through guidance, to give tours, help out new students and help out when needed by offering support to others.

Like his father, Shakespeare attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in physical therapy and playing on the basketball team.

His initial goal was to graduate and become a physical therapist, but during his senior year of college, he changed his mind.

“It was the best decision I could have made,” Shakespeare said. “Education is a life long, fulfilling and passionate career for me. I am proud to follow in my father’s footsteps. My ultimate goal is to become a high school administrator, like my dad. He has been my best role model.”

Duluth Middle School principal Deborah Fusi said Shakespeare is one of their finest teachers.

“This is a special recognition because the teacher of the year is selected by his or her peers,” Fusi said. “Mr. Shakespeare has been a teacher at Duluth for the past 13 years and has been an educator for a total of 14 years. He has taught biology in seventh grade and currently teaches peer leadership and study skills. Mr. Shakespeare has also served our students as the girls’ basketball coach and has been a mentor for many students passing through Duluth Middle. Mr. Shakespeare is a humble leader who is known throughout the community for his passion for serving all students and for instilling in students a sense of serving those in need. Here’s to one of our finest. Congratulations, Mr. Shakespeare. Duluth loves you.”