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 sixth 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: Stacy Willoughby

School: Athens High School

Grade Level(s) You Teach: 9th — 12th

Subjects You Teach: AVID and English 12

Degrees & Granting Institutions:

Bachelor of Arts — Communications, Jacksonville State University

Bachelor of Arts — English, Athens State University

Master of Arts — Teaching, University of West Alabama

Instructional Leadership Certificate, University of West Alabama

Special Certifications or Training:

AVID

Orion-Gillingham Level 1

AP Language

A Plus

Where is your hometown? Scottsboro, Ala.

Why did you become a teacher? I thought I wanted to teach writing, but I fell in love with learning with students.

How many years have you been a teacher? 14

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? 11

The best part of my day is: Smiling and laughing with my teacher friends and students is the best part of my day. I usually leave happier than I arrived at school.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My mother is my greatest source of inspiration. She is the most selfless and giving person that I have ever known.

I hope to inspire my students: I hope to inspire my students by encouraging them to be kind and a positive force in the lives of others.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers? I would encourage new teachers to learn from your students. Listen … they have so much to teach you about life as well as how different students learn.

What is your greatest hope for your students? My greatest hope for my students is that they will believe in their unlimited potential.

Tell me about your family. I have two children, Abby and Haley.

What are your hobbies, interests or other things you like to do as an individual or as a family? I love to play with my dogs, work in the yard and spend time with my girls.

Favorite Quote: “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” — William Butler Yeats

It is the season of Thanksgiving. For what are you most grateful? I am grateful for my students that teach me something new each and every day.