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

Name: Teresa Lawrence

School: Clements High School

Grade Level(s) Taught: 7th and 8th Grade

Subject(s) Taught: Special Education

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

— Bachelor of Science degree  in Home Economics/Dietetics from the University of Montevallo
— Master of Education degree in Collaborative Special Education from Grand Canyon University
— Education Specialist degree in Collaborative Special Education form the University of West Alabama

How many years have you been in education? 
I have been teaching for 13 years.

How many are with Limestone County Schools?
This is my second year in Limestone County.

What makes you proud to be an educator?
When I see my students persevere through adversity, I am proud of them and honored to be part of that process.

What has your experience in the education field taught you? 
My experience in education has taught me that before I can reach a student academically, I must first let them know how much I care about them. When they understand they are loved and that I believe in them, they are able to start believing in themselves.

What do you enjoy most about working for Limestone County Schools?
What I enjoy most about working for Limestone County is the support I receive from administration and peers. I feel blessed to be working with just a wonderful group of people.

How do your students inspire you?
Academics do not come easily to most of my students. They have obstacles to overcome that a lot of other students do not face. When they work hard in the face of adversity, they inspire me to keep on keeping on in the challenges I may face. 

What are your hobbies?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I was recently blessed with a granddaughter and enjoy every moment I have with her. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy walking, gardening and reading.

What is your favorite quote? 
It is hard to pick one favorite quote, so I am going to give you the two that are on my mind right now.

“For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  — Isaiah 40:31. 

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.