Equvia Rhodes, a math teacher at Opelika Middle School, was selected as the 2005-2006 Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year and Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Rhodes was also the 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year for the middle school and the Teacher of the Year for Opelika City Schools. She graduated from the AU College of Education in 2003 and received her educational specialist degree in secondary mathematics.

Rhodes told the Opelika-Auburn News that she believes all children can learn in their own way and at their own pace, and it's the responsibility of teachers to recognize it.

The teachers were evaluated on their teaching philosophies and their contributions to education during the selection process of the award. Candidates discussed the topics in essays and interviews.