This is the ninth 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: Hannah Buchanan

School: SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary School

Grade Level Taught: 1st Grade

Degrees, Special Certifications and/or Training:

— Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Athens State University — LETRS

— PBL

— AMSTI K-2 Certified

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Athens, Alabama, and I am a proud Athens Golden Eagle.

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher because I want to inspire and motivate my students to be the best version of themselves. I want to ignite a love of learning in every child and help them grow, both academically and personally. I hope to be a difference maker in a child’s life like many of my teachers were in mine.

How many years have you been a teacher?

I have been in education for 14 years.

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools?

I have been with Athens City Schools for 14 years.

What is the best part of your day?

The best part of my day is whenever a student’s “light bulb moment” occurs. I also love just being around my students. Learning about their interests, spending time with them and watching them grow throughout the year.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration?

Growing up, my greatest source of inspiration was my granddad. He was a teacher and football coach and went on to be a principal. I saw how many lives he changed throughout his career and I knew I wanted to make some sort of impact on others, too. Now, since having my daughter, she has inspired me to look at my career through a different lens — that of a mother. I teach and nurture differently now. She has inspired me to slow down and enjoy the little things along the journey.

How do you hope to inspire your students?

I hope to inspire my students by creating a safe, fun classroom environment where they can be themselves while celebrating successes and working through any challenges they face along the way.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers?

Love first, teach second. The hustle and bustle of education will never slow down. Take some time to really get to know your students on a personal level first. You will spend more time with these kids during the school year than with anyone else. They are people, just like us. If you show a genuine interest in them first, it will greatly build your classroom community.

What is your greatest hope for your students?

My greatest hope for my students is that they truly find their voice in the world and they continue to reach their goals through their hard work.

What is your family like?

I am married to Nick Buchanan and we have two children, Saylor and Jack.

What is your favorite quote?

“Trust your journey.” — Unknown

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 friends, and my job.

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.