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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Valley Times-News is doing a Q&A with all of the support staff of the year in the Chambers County School System. Today, we are writing about Donna Meadows, a First Grade Teacher at Bob Harding Shawmut Elementary School. We asked her 17 questions, and we included some of our favorite responses below.

With 37 years of teaching under her belt, Donna Meadows was recently honored as the teacher of the year at Bob Harding Shawmut Elementary. Of those 37 years at Chambers County School System, Meadows has spent all but 10 of them at BHS.

Meadows holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Troy University.

As for children, Meadows has two children. Her daughter Katie Harris graduated from Troy University and now works as the assistant branch manager at Cadence Bank in Opelika. Her son Drew graduated from Valley High School in 2012, and works at Langley Motors as a sales representative.

Meadows is also a grandmother to four-year-old Nealey Beck Harris and eight month old John Gaines Meadows.

What inspired you to be an educator?

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a teacher. Teaching has always been what I wanted to do. As a child, I always played school. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Billie Clegg, was my inspiration to become an elementary school teacher while my neighbor growing up Mrs. Onie Salalto inspired me to teach first grade. Teaching first grade is my passion. Teaching a child the life long skill of reading is so rewarding. When I see that lightbulb go off when a student learns something for the first time, it is worth more than anything in the world.”

If you weren’t a teacher what career field would you be in?

“I would probably do something in the travel industry if I wasn’t a teacher. Planning trips and traveling around the United States and abroad seems so exciting and like a fun career!”

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise your students and our readers?

“I don’t necessarily have a hidden talent but I do love to cook for my family and friends. I inherited my mother and grandmother’s cookbooks and recipes and I enjoy recreating those dishes.”

What’s the most creative or unique project that one of your classes has worked on?

“Early in my career, CCSD participated in science fairs yearly. My classes over the years have done projects on hot air balloons, rainbows and butterflies to name just a few! These projects focused on the scientific method and were collaborative.”

If you could invite any historical figure to speak to your class, who would you choose and why?

“I would invite Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. This show brings back such sweet memories because it was such a big part of my childhood. His show focused on children’s social and emotional needs like understanding feelings, self-worth and tolerance.”

What’s the most challenging part of you job?

“Currently, teaching students that English is their second language is very challenging to me. Since I don’t speak a second language, it can be difficult  but it challenges me to expand my knowledge to make sure that I am meeting these students’ needs. That can be exciting on top of being challenging. I love to continue learning and bringing that new knowledge to my classroom!”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year?

“I was surprised, humbled, honored, happy and emotional to receive this honor! Teaching is my calling and my passion so receiving this honor from my colleagues was so wonderful! I don’t teach for praise or accolades or awards. I teach because I truly love it. Being named Teacher of the Year was exciting because it means someone does truly appreciate what I pour my whole into!”

As your students transition to next grade or graduate next May, what is one key takeaway that you hope they carry forward from their time in your classroom?

“I hope my students remember their time in my classroom as fun, engaging and exciting! I hope they remember that they are special and capable of doing great things with hard work. Most importantly, I hope that they remember how much I love them and believe in them!”