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 selection process begins at the school level. What a special honor for these individuals to be selected by their peers.

The Athens City Schools Foundation looks forward to celebrating each Teacher of the Year at the annual ACSF Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet. The District-Level Elementary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) Teacher of the Year will named at this special event. These teachers will then represent Athens City Schools in the Alabama Teacher of the Year state competition.

This is the second installment of Q&As with the eight teachers who have been selected by their peers as Teachers of the Year at Athens City Schools.

Name: Cassidy Goff

School: HEART Academy at Julian Newman Elementary School

Grade Level(s) You Teach: 2nd Grade

Subjects You Teach: All subjects

Degrees & Granting Institutions:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in English Language Learners from Athens State University.

Special Certifications or Training:

Highly Qualified, LETRS, AMSTI Math, AMSTI Science

Where is your hometown? Athens, AL

Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I am passionate about empowering kids and positively influencing their lives. All kids need to know they have special gifts, are capable, and loved. I have personally experienced the love and empowerment my teachers have given me. They cultivated a love of learning and made me want to be better. I hope I can always be the same influence on my students.

How many years have you been a teacher? I have been teaching for five years.

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? This is my fifth year with Athens City Schools.

The best part of my day is: The best part of my day is connecting with my students on an educational and personal level. I love it when they are excited to share connections they have made in their learning to personal experiences, feelings, or dreams they have for themselves. The excitement for learning is always magical! It is amazing the interests they discover that they never knew they had before.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My greatest source of inspiration has been my children.

I hope to inspire my students: I hope to inspire my students by instilling in them that they are special and the world needs what they have to offer. I want to instill in them confidence, kindness, hope, and diligence.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers? I would encourage new teachers to show students that you love them, laugh with them, and most importantly learn with them every day. There is a new opportunity to change a child’s life each day. Don’t take that opportunity lightly or for granted!

What is your greatest hope for your students? My greatest hope for my students is to know that they always have someone in their life who loves them and is cheering them on. I hope they never underestimate themselves while embracing their strengths and never letting their failures define them. I want them to always remember, I am their cheerleader for life!

Tell me about your family. My husband is Jacob Goff and we have two children, Cooper and Brewer.

What are your hobbies, interests or other things you like to do as an individual or as a family? In my time outside of school, you will usually find my family at the ballpark or at the court. I love to shop when I am not watching sports!

Favorite Quote: “Children have this amazing way of becoming exactly who we tell them they are.” -Amy Weatherly

It is the season of Thanksgiving. For what are you most grateful? I am most thankful for the Lord’s blessings. I am grateful for my family and friends, who have always given me love and support. I am grateful for my wonderful coworkers who inspire and challenge me daily. I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for my students each day.

Anything else you would like to add? I am proud to work in a wonderful district like Athens City Schools and a wonderful school like Julian Newman Elementary. This is a place where student success and learning opportunities are valued. I am so lucky to get to teach with some of the best educators, who I have learned so much from. It’s great to be a Golden Eagle!