Warm Winds and Happy Teachers: Athens Celebrates 2024 Teacher of the Year

Warm Winds and Happy Teachers: Celebrating Excellence in Athens!

Good day, Athens! As we settle into November, we’re experiencing a delightful mix of clouds and sunshine. Today, you can expect a high of nearly 80°F with warm breezes coming from the southeast at about 10 to 20 mph. If you’re heading outside, don’t forget to enjoy those sunny intervals this morning because this afternoon is predicted to be cloudy. And as the sun sets, temperatures will cool down to a comfy 62°F—perfect for snuggling up with a good book or a warm drink.

Spotlight on a Stellar Educator!

While we’re soaking in this beautiful weather, we have something very special to talk about that’s heating up our hearts even more! We are excited to introduce Brooke Humphries, the proud recipient of the 2024 Teacher of the Year award at HEART Academy, located within Julian Newman Elementary. Brooke has dedicated her life to education and is a total inspiration to her students and fellow teachers alike!

With 12 years of experience, and 9 of those years spent in the Athens City Schools, Brooke specializes in teaching students from Kindergarten through 3rd Grade, with a particular focus on Special Education, Reading, Math, and Social-Emotional Learning. It’s clear that this dedication comes from a place of passion. When we asked her about her motivation to teach, she said, “I became a teacher to help students with disabilities reach their full potential. I enjoy the small moments of helping students learn something new… I love supporting students and figuring out what works best for them.”

Inspiration All Around

The best part of her day? “Seeing the sweet smiles of students as they arrive each morning,” she said. How heartwarming is that?! Brooke reflects on how her co-workers are her biggest source of inspiration. “I work with the best teachers in the state. Each day I see the hard work and dedication they have for their students, and it pushes me to be a better teacher,” she explained. That spirit of collaboration and encouragement is what truly makes Athens City Schools a standout community!

Advice for New Teachers

What would Brooke tell teachers just starting their journey? “Find a good support system to help you as you grow,” she advises. With so much love for her role, Brooke hopes to inspire her students by teaching them to always try their best and never give up. “My greatest hope for my students is to always remember that they are capable of doing the impossible,” she expressed passionately.

A Quick Peek into Brooke’s Life

When she’s not inspiring future leaders, you can find Brooke enjoying a cozy day with her family, including her husband Matthew and their son Emmitt. “I am most grateful for my family,” she shared. Since starting a family was a long journey for them, she cherishes the joy that her husband and son bring to her life every day.

“The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still,” is a quote that resonates deeply with her, and it reflects her faith and spirit. In this Thanksgiving season, let’s take a moment to share in the gratitude that fills our community, recognizing the hard work, love, and dedication that educators like Brooke bring into our lives.

Upcoming Events

As we look ahead, we are thrilled to announce that Athens City Schools will honor each Teacher of the Year at the annual ACSF Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet on Tuesday, November 12. During this festive event, the District-Level Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year will be revealed, and these outstanding educators will represent Athens in the prestigious Alabama Teacher of the Year competition!

So, let’s continue to cheer on educators in our community who work tirelessly to make learning fun and accessible for everyone. Cheers to a warm afternoon and wonderful teachers!