A local educator enjoyed the spotlight Thursday at the 2010 Alameda County Teachers of the Year Awards.

Anna Schooley, who teaches American literature, graphic design and fine arts at Redwood High School, was among 18 Alameda County teachers honored at the event.

The event at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts gave teachers the opportunity to share their teaching philosophies and tell why they find their careers so rewarding.

A video montage showed the teachers talking about their jobs and at work in the classroom. Schooley, who represents the Castro Valley Unified School District, discussed the challenges and rewards of working with an at-risk population.

"I have a lot of fun with my kids and keep it lighthearted," she said. "I tell them that it's OK to be themselves, and that it's important for them to realize and embrace who they are."

Each Teacher of the Year received $1,000, and two of them – John Nolan of the Alameda Unified School District and Livia Thomas of the Fremont Unified School District – were named the winners. Nolan and Thomas received $2,000 apiece and will represent Alameda County in the California Teachers of the Year program.

The 18 teachers also received plaques from Sheila Jordan, the Alameda County superintendent of schools, and Eileen McDonald, president of the Alameda County Board.

In her acceptance speech, Schooley thanked Redwood students, noting "above all things, they keep it real."

Lorrie Sullenberger, regional ambassador for the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and wife of Capt. Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Wells Fargo and AT&T sponsored the event. Wells Fargo received a donor award from McDonald's.

Jordan called the teachers of Alameda County heroes and thanked the event's sponsors and supporters for funding education.

"We stand committed to a lasting and impactful education for every single child," she said. "If you go and visit our teachers, you'll watch it happen."

She added that it was a special night. "It's about acknowledging great teachers," she said. "Teachers are appreciated, but hardly ever in the spotlight. This gives them a chance to be the stars."

The event was hosted by Jordan, along with the Alameda County Board of Education, the Peralta District PTA and the Association of California School Administrators.

Alameda Country Teachers of the Year is part of California Teachers of the Year, a program organized by the California Department of Education that honors five teachers in the state every year. One of them then competes in the National Teacher of the Year program.

For more information, visit the California Department of Education website's California Teachers of the Year page.

This story is part of a nationwide Patch series probing the economy's effect on local schools.