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 7th 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: Philip Jarmon

School: Athens Middle School

Grade Level(s) You Teach: 6th and 7th Grade

Subjects You Teach: Earth Science and Life Science

Degrees & Granting Institutions:

Associate of Applied Science in General Studies, Calhoun Community College

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Athens State University

Master of Education in Instructional Leadership, Alabama A&M University

Where is your hometown? Guntersville, Ala.

Why did you become a teacher? I want to make a positive impact on the life of a student, not just during a given school year, but forever. Growing up, I struggled with self-confidence at times, and I realized the negative impact that can have on education. My goal is to believe in my students so much they start believing in themselves. I have the opportunity to serve kids every day and unlock their dreams for a better future.

How many years have you been a teacher? I have been in education for nineteen years.

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? I have been with Athens City Schools for 17 years.

The best part of my day is: Teaching hands-on learning opportunities during science lab experiments that allow for student questioning and engaging feedback with each other. I love when students get so engaged in a lesson they are upset when it is time to change to another class.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My two daughters, Chyanne and Cameron, are my greatest source of inspiration. My daughters teach me more about life than I probably teach them.

I hope to inspire my students: I hope to inspire my students by creating a classroom that has a positive atmosphere open to taking risks and making mistakes without worrying about what others may think. I want my students to leave my classroom knowing that I believe in them and will serve them to the best of my ability.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers? Teaching is building relationships with your students. Relationships matter more than anything. We teach children, not subjects. Find strong mentors that you can go to for advice and try not to take things personally. Always ask for help. Classroom procedures and classroom management are a top priority. Monitor and adjust. Protect your mental health and well-being.

What is your greatest hope for your students? Education will unlock your dreams! Always do more than is required of you and treat people with the utmost kindness because you never know the battle a person is facing in life.

Tell me about your family. I am married to Heather Jarmon and we have two children, Chyanne and Cameron.

What are your hobbies, interests or other things you like to do as an individual or as a family? I love my church family and staying involved in church activities. I like to consider myself a weather aficionado. I enjoy landscaping, all University of Alabama sports, and fishing.

Favorite Quote: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is the season of Thanksgiving. For what are you most grateful? I am thankful for my church family, my home family, my Athens Middle School family, and the friends who have supported me along the way.