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 5th 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 Ridgeway

School: Athens Renaissance School

Grade Level(s) You Teach: 6th, 7th and 8th grade

Subjects You Teach: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, Physical Science

Degrees & Granting Institutions:

Bachelor’s Degree in Education — General Science (Class A), Jacksonville State University Master’s Degree in Education — Science Comprehensive (Class B), University of West Alabama

Special Certifications or Training:

NISE Stem Certification

AMSTI Trained

Peer Helpers

Computer Science A+ College Ready

Where is your hometown? Tuscumbia, AL

Why did you become a teacher? As a young child, I always had a passion for helping others achieve their goals. I would tutor students and even help teachers grade papers. I have always had a desire to become a teacher and change the lives of students.

How many years have you been a teacher? 2 Years

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? 2 Years

The best part of my day is: The best part of my day is when students collaborate and are so engaged in the content that they don’t even realize the depth of knowledge they are obtaining.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? Emilee Daws has been my greatest source of inspiration. Mrs. Daws teaches math with me at ARS and was my mentor teacher. She took me under her wing and has inspired me in many ways. We are able to collaborate and co-teach on many occasions.

I hope to inspire my students: I hope to inspire my students by creating an environment where they are able to see their worth and what they are capable of achieving.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers? I would let new teachers know that students do not need a “perfect” teacher. Students want a teacher that recognizes their struggles, celebrates their successes and loves them each and every day.

What is your greatest hope for your students? My greatest hope for my students is that they leave school knowing they are capable of reaching their dreams. I hope they always know their worth and know that I will always be supporting them.

Tell me about your family. I am married to Nicholas Ridgeway, a Science Teacher and Coach at Athens High School.

What are your hobbies, interests or other things you like to do as an individual or as a family? I love to garden, bake, travel, camp, kayak, and golf.

Favorite Quote: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Anything else you would like to add? I am very honored to receive this award, and the students I teach daily make this all possible and worth it.

It is the season of Thanksgiving. For what are you most grateful? I am most grateful for an amazing team of teachers that I get to work with daily. In addition, I am very thankful for the administration that I get to work for. They give me the freedom to explore and execute whatever I dream.