Every year, each elementary and secondary school in the county selects a teacher of the year from their school. The News Courier is publishing a few facts about each of the 2023 LCS teachers of the year during the next few weeks.

Name: Mandy Graham

School: Alabama Connections Academy

Grade(s) taught: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd (currently teaching 1st grade)

Subject(s) taught: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies

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

• University of Alabama at Birmingham — Master of Arts in Education 2014
• Auburn University — Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education 2009
• LETRS trained and certified 2023
• International Baccalaureate trained and certified 2015
• More than 260 hours professional development training

How many years have you been in education? 13

How many are with Limestone County Schools? 6

What makes you proud to be an educator? Watching my students’ and families’ successes and knowing that I helped them along in their educational journeys is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. Seeing my students realize their potential makes me the most proud to be an educator.

What has your experience in the education field taught you? My experience in education has taught me that all students can learn when they are supported academically, physically, and emotionally. Meeting students where they are and guiding them to where they need to be has been challenging at times, but the learning that takes place for both me and my students has been an irreplaceable experience.

What do you enjoy most about working for Limestone County Schools? Limestone County Schools has allowed me to teach in a position in which I never thought would be possible when I started my career in 2009. Being a virtual teacher at Alabama Connections Academy has given me the opportunity to refine my craft in ways I could have never imagined. It has been an amazing experience, and I am thankful for the Limestone County School District for allowing me to have this opportunity.

How do your students inspire you? My students inspire me daily because of their persistence and endurance. Being a virtual teacher, I work with many students from various academic backgrounds. My biggest reward has been to see students thrive in our environment, and to be a part of helping families learn how education can work best for them. Coming alongside parents to join with them in their families’ educational journeys has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy spending time with my family, boating, reading and crafting.

Favorite Quote: “The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” — Maria Montessori