This is the seventh installment of Q&As with the teachers who have been selected as Teachers of the Year at Limestone County Schools.

Name: Peyton Boldin

School: East Limestone High School

Grade Level(s) Taught: 7th and 12th Grade

Subject(s) Taught: Civics, Geography and American College Test (ACT) Preparation

Degrees & Granting Institutions, Special Certifications and/or Training: 

Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science with a Minor in Education

How many years have you been in education? 

I have been in education for four years.

How many are with Limestone County Schools? 

I have spent all four years with Limestone County Schools.

What makes you proud to be an educator?

Every day is an opportunity to inspire and prepare the next generation of students. With teaching civics, I take great pride in educating students about our government and how they can be active and productive members of society. Even more than that, I am truly grateful for the relationships that come with teaching. It is a joy to have students come back and see me years later after teaching them.  

What has your experience in the education field taught you? 

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every day is an adventure in education. There have been days where I had something planned that I thought was going to be the best lesson ever, and it just did not go as planned. I think that is one of the things that I enjoy most about teaching is the fact that I am not going to be perfect everyday. If one day in the classroom doesn’t quite go the way you want it to, you can come back the next day and correct it. Also, you have to be patient and flexible as an educator. At the end of the day, it is about the kids. If they don’t get something, then I need to be flexible and patient in helping them get there. 

What do you enjoy most about working for Limestone County Schools?

I graduated from West Limestone. All I have known is Limestone County Schools. I have always enjoyed the fact that despite being at different schools, we are all connected throughout the county. I enjoy getting to catch up with teachers and coaches from other schools. Limestone County Schools provides those opportunities to collaborate throughout the school year, and I am grateful for that.

How do your students inspire you?

My students inspire me to keep learning and challenging myself to be the best teacher possible. I am constantly pushing them to learn and think deeper about things. They do the same to me. They always keep me on my toes. I don’t pretend to know everything, as there are times that students ask some great questions that I have to go and research before I can give them an answer. If I want their best, then I have to give my very best. I am truly thankful for them pushing me to grow not only as a teacher, but as a person. Teaching is more than tests and assignments. Again, relationships are vital in education. I have learned in my few years of teaching to continue and build relationships with every student. You never know what they are going through. 

What are your hobbies? 

Golfing, video games, traveling, camping and playing the guitar or drums.

What is your favorite quote?

”Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”  — Winston Churchill.

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 Limestone County Schools System honored each Teacher of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held on Monday, Dec. 2. The Limestone County Schools District-Level Elementary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) Teacher of the Year, along with the Educational Support Person of the Year, was announced at the special event. These teachers will then represent Limestone County Schools in the Alabama Teacher of the Year state competition.