This is the 14th installment of Q&As with the teachers who have been selected as Teachers of the Year at Limestone County Schools.

Name: Kaitlin Sparkman 

School: Ardmore High School 

Grade Level(s) Taught: 6th Grade through the Age 21 

Subject(s) Taught: Special Education 

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

— Associate’s in General Science

— Bachelor’s in Physical Education

— Master’s in Special Education K-6th and 6th-12th

How many years have you been in education? 

I have been in education for 8 years.

How many are with Limestone County Schools? 

I have been with Limestone County Schools for 4 years.

What makes you proud to be an educator? 

The lives I get to touch and change on a daily basis. 

What has your experience in the education field taught you? 

Each success, no matter the size, carries so much meaning to me because of the challenges that are overcome to get there. The rewards are often in the journey itself, as much as in the outcomes. 

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

The support I have from my administration team. They recognize the students in my class as an individual and not a disability; and as the best class in the school.

How do your students inspire you? 

The experience of working with these students is incredibly valuable in terms of my personal growth. It has fostered patience, deepened my empathy and has encouraged flexibility. It has changed the way I see the world, helping me become a more compassionate and adaptive individual.

What are your hobbies? 

My favorite hobby is getting to be a mom to three of the best kids on the planet, clearly I am very biased. I have recently gotten into crocheting and love making things from that. I also love sports, anything Alabama, especially softball. 

What is your favorite quote?

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105

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.