Editor’s note: This is the eighth and last in a series of Q&As with the teachers who have been chosen by Athens City Schools as teachers of the year. The teachers will be honored at a banquet at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, in the ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center on the campus of Athens State University. Tickets are $25 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Athens City Schools Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at www.acsf.acs-k12.org/toy.

• Name: Amanda Elgin

• School: Athens Elementary School

• Grades taught: K-3

• Subjects taught: Special education (all)

• Personal: Husband, Jamie Elgin, and daughter, Elisabeth, 14

• Pets: Two dogs, Hailey and Esme

• Degree: Associate’s degree in arts and sciences from John Tyler Community College and bachelor’s degree in elementary/collaborative K-6 from Athens State University

• Hometown: South Chesterfield, Virginia

• How many years have you been a teacher? Three

• How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? Three

• Why did you become a teacher? “I homeschooled my daughter for four years using phonics and a literature-based curriculum. I absolutely loved teaching. One day I told my husband I wanted to be a full-time teacher. He said, ‘You’ve been talking about it for 10 years, make it happen.’ The rest is history. I enjoy working with young children, especially those who learn in diverse and unique ways. I try to use their individual learning styles and motivators to keep them engaged for maximum growth, both academically and developmentally. I not only look at where they are today, but also where I envision them to be in the future when they transition out of school. We all have gifts and talents. If nurtured properly, my students can have a fulfilling and happy life.”

• The best part of my day is: “Those ‘aha’ moments when you have been working with a student and it all clicks. That’s what keeps me motivated as a teacher as well.”

• Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? “My husband, Jamie, has been my greatest source of inspiration. He has always encouraged me and been my biggest supporter. When I was going through school, he covered for me at home so I could focus on my studies. Professionally, he is one of the hardest workers I know. Anyone who has ever worked with him will tell you that everything he does, he does with integrity. Who better to look up to?”

• I hope to inspire my students by: “Modeling hard work and true grit. I don’t want them to ever give up when the going gets tough.”

• What advice would you like to share with new teachers? “Always remember when you are speaking with parents, you are talking about their greatest accomplishment on this planet, their child. Always complement the student’s strengths. There is not a child on this planet who doesn’t have strengths. We are here to inspire, not tear down. If there is an area of weakness, be prepared to offer strategies. When parents and teachers work together as a cohesive team, the child reaps the benefits.”

• For what are you most grateful this year? “Being a special education teacher is very rewarding. It takes creativity, passion, patience and stamina. I am most grateful to the good Lord who blessed me with the opportunity to do this every day. I love what I do and thank him all the time for the gift of my position.”