For The News Courier.

This is the seventh installment of Q&As with the nine teachers who have been selected by their peers as Teachers of the Year at Athens City Schools.

Name: Brooke Humphries

School: HEART Academy at Julian Newman Elementary

Grade Levels Taught: Kindergarten through 3rd Grade

Subjects Taught: Kindergarten through 3rd Grade (K-3) Special Education — Reading, Math and Social-Emotional Learning

Degrees, Special Certifications and/or Training:

— Bachelor of Science in K-12 Collaborative Special Education, Auburn University — Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership, University of West Alabama

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Geraldine, Alabama.

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher to help students with disabilities reach their full potential. I enjoy the small moments of helping students learn something new by giving them individualized instruction that helps it click for my students. I love supporting students and figuring out what works best for them to be successful in the general education classroom.

How many years have you been a teacher?

I have been in education for 12 years.

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools?

I have been with Athens City Schools for nine years.

What is the best part of your day?

The best part of my day is seeing the sweet smiles of students as they arrive each morning.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration?

My greatest source of inspiration comes from my co-workers. I work with the best teachers in the state. Each day I see the hard work and dedication they have for their students and it pushes me to be a better teacher. One of the best parts of my job is being able to support the teachers in my school.

How do you hope to inspire your students?

I hope to inspire my students by teaching them to always try their best and never give up.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers?

My best advice for new teachers is to find a good support system to help you as you grow as a teacher.

What is your greatest hope for your students?

My greatest hope for my students is to always remember that they are capable of doing the impossible.

What is your family like?

I am married to Matthew Humphries and we have one son, Emmitt.

What are your hobbies, interests or other things you like to do as an individual or as a family?

I love spending time with my family.

What is your favorite quote?

“The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14

It is the season of Thanksgiving. For what are you most grateful?

In this season of Thanksgiving, I am most grateful for my family. My husband and I had a long journey in starting our family and I am thankful God chose us to be parents to our little boy. My husband and son bring me great joy and I am grateful each day to have them.

The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program honors and recognizes excellence in the teaching profession by identifying outstanding classroom teachers at local, district and state levels. The Teacher of the Year Program is open to any public school classroom teacher, librarian, counselor or other certified individuals in a K-12 setting.

The Athens City Schools Foundation will honor each Teacher of the Year at the annual ACSF Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Athens City Schools District-Level Elementary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) Teacher of the Year will be announced at this special event. These teachers will then represent Athens City Schools in the Alabama Teacher of the Year state competition.