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

• Name: Scott McCormick

• Hometown: Athens

• Personal: Married to Lauren McCormick, a pre-K aide at iAcademy at Athens Elementary; children, 8-year-old Eleanor, 6-year-old Lawson and 3-year-old Marion

• School: Athens Renaissance School

• Grade taught: 9-12

• Subjects taught: Mathematics

• How many years have you been a teacher? 13

• How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? 6

• Degrees: B.S. degree in secondary education (mathematics) from Athens State University and M.S. degree in secondary education (mathematics) from the University of West Alabama

• Why did you become a teacher? After changing my major numerous times, I finally found the right fit in education. Coming from a family of educators this was always in the back of my mind but came to light during my college years.

• The best part of my day is? Helping my students determine their own path while taking responsibility for their own learning.

• Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My family, former teachers, and former and current students have always been my greatest source of inspiration.

• I hope to inspire my students by? Showing them not to be scared of change and thinking differently about education.

• What advice would you like to share with new teachers? Find a mentor or someone you can ask for help. As a new teacher, it is easy to feel isolated. You must remember teaching is a group effort.