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

Name: Traci Young.

School: Cedar Hill Elementary.

Grade Level(s) Taught: 2nd, 3rd and 5th Grade.

Subject(s) Taught: Self-Contained.

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

— I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Athens State University.

— I received my Master’s Degree and Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Education from The University of North Alabama. 

— I have completed LETRS training for Grades K-3.

How many years have you been in education?

I have taught elementary school for 21 years.

How many are with Limestone County Schools? 

I have taught 21 years in Limestone County at Cedar Hill Elementary School.

What makes you proud to be an educator? 

I am very proud to be called a “teacher.” I believe that teachers are in a profession that allows them to help shape the future. I am able to instill in the minds of my students an abundance of qualities that will help them to become successful, lifelong learners. Through my teaching, I am providing my students with a plethora of ideas and strategies that will allow them to pursue their dreams.

What has your experience in the education field taught you? 

As a teacher, I have learned valuable lessons from the students that are in my classroom each year. My students have taught me that through hard work and perseverance that learning can take place for all students. Through my teaching career, I have gained an understanding that all students have the potential to gain knowledge to help them pursue and maintain their dreams. I know that through my children, I am able to slow down and enjoy the little moments that inspire me to be the best teacher for my students every day. 

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

I love working for Cedar Hill Elementary. Our elementary school is a close knit community. My principal and assistant principal both bring an energy to the school that envelops everyone. I enjoy getting up every morning and getting ready to start my day with the students at Cedar Hill. The overall camaraderie that is between the teachers, staff, and students is one that is above and beyond anything that I have experienced. 

How do your students inspire you? 

My students inspire me daily with the love and support that they show me daily with fist bumps, hugs, smiles and high fives in the classroom. They show me everyday their love by coming into my classroom ready to learn and be the best. I am inspired by students to be the absolute best teacher that I can be for them, because they instill in me a deep trust to guide and instruct them with daily lessons. 

What are your hobbies? 

I love spending time with my family, tending to our cows and pigs on the farm and reading.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin

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.