Editor’s note: This is the fifth 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 age 10 and under. Proceeds benefit the Athens City Schools Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/2NR70fo.

• Name: Chancey Gregg

• Hometown: Stella, Tennessee

• Personal: Husband, Micah Gregg, an Athen native and Athens High School graduate.

• School: Athens Middle School

• Grade taught: Sixth

• Subjects taught: Science

• How many years have you been a teacher? Four

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

• Degrees: M.A.Ed. in instructional practice from Lipscomb University and B.A. in business administration from the University of Mississippi

• Why did you become a teacher? Well, I didn’t become a teacher for the pay, the lax workloads or the “summers” off. I chose to become a teacher in hopes of inspiring future generations to think, grow and prosper.

• The best part of my day is? The morning. I love seeing and saying “good morning” to smiling, excited young people.

• Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? I cannot define my greatest source. I have found and find inspiration in many people, places and things. With that said, I do believe coffee is my greatest inspirational fuel.

• I hope to inspire my students by? Being passionate about what I teach, labeling myself as a lifelong learner and being comfortable with who I am.

• What advice would you like to share with new teachers? Dear new teacher, try to be consciously aware in the present moment, without judging your experience.

• This is called the gratitude banquet. For what are you most grateful this year? I am most grateful for all the educators throughout my life and currently in my life, inside and outside of the classrooms, such as my parents, my husband, my teachers, my professors, my friends, my family, my colleagues, a principal who took a chance on hiring me, and an instructional partner who rocks. I am grateful for educators who guide me and others when faced with challenges and adversity to know that a person can be more than their mistakes. I am grateful for educators who encourage hard work and do not settle for less than a person’s best. I am grateful for educators that love and forgive unconditionally. All in all, I am most grateful for all of those who educate others for a better tomorrow.