Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of Q&As with the eight 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. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center on the campus of Athens State University. Tickets are $25 per person or $15 for children 10 and under. Proceeds benefit the Athens City Schools Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/2NR70fo.

• Name: Orlando Turner

• Hometown: Harvest

• School: Athens Intermediate School

• Grade taught: Fifth

• Subjects taught: Science and math

• How many years have you been a teacher? Six years

• How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? My entire career has been with Athens City Schools.

• Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, master’s in Teaching and Learning with Technology, master’s in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and currently working on master’s in Leadership.

• Why did you become a teacher? When I was 6 years old, my father passed away. This was such a difficult time in my life. However, school was my happy place. I had so many great teachers who were always available when I needed them. I decided I wanted to teach because someone touched my life. Hopefully, I can be a bright light for my students that I serve.

• The best part of my day is: The best part of my day is laughing and interacting with my students as we learn together. I pray every year that God will place the students that need me in my classroom. Consequently, I’ve found sometimes I learn more from them.

• Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My greatest source of inspiration has to come from the people that I work with.

• I hope to inspire my students by: Being a positive role model. Being one of the few African-American males for the district on the elementary level gives me a platform that I don’t take lightly. I want to inspire students to not allow their family circumstances to ruin their chance at a bright future. I pray my presence can change lives.

• What advice would you like to share with new teachers? Teaching is a action word. In this career, you must work hard to put relationships first if you want to be successful. Value your co-workers and the students.

• This is called the Gratitude Banquet. For what are you most grateful this year? The extended summer gave me an opportunity to spend quality time with my family. I’m grateful God has entrusted me with the best family in the world.