Christy Daniels has started her second year of teaching kindergarten at Elsanor Elementary School in Robertsdale, but she is far from new to the profession.

“Last year was my first year at Elsanor, but I have been teaching for 19 years,” Daniels says. “16 of which have been in kindergarten.”

Before coming to Elsanor, Daniels previously worked as a teacher at schools in both Monroe and Tuscaloosa counties.

Daniels says she started working with children long before she became a teacher.

“I was a counselor at my hometown recreation department for three summers and enjoyed the children so much I decided to change my degree from accounting to early childhood education,” Daniels says. “How could someone not enjoy seeing so many precious smiling faces every morning and the fact that every one of them is so excited to see you?”

Daniels says her goal everyday she stands in front of her students is to encourage them to reach their fullest potential — something she feels called to do.

“I strive to influence my students in a way that will change our society for the better,” she says. “I believe God has placed me in the lives of every student I have ever taught for a reason, and I pray that I fulfill that purpose He has for my life.”

Daniels says she aspires to be a positive figure in her students’ lives, much like her own kindergarten teacher, Ann Kelly.

“She was always so kind and patient with me,” said Daniels. “I know I was trying because I was a very active little girl, so I try to be as patient with my students. My father died my second grade year and I will never forget the compassion she showed me.”

By a lucky twist of faith, Kelly is currently a tutor at Elsanor.

Daniels says her favorite part of her career is the relationships she builds with her students.

“My favorite aspect of teaching young children is the fact that in no other profession can someone be told daily ‘I love you,’” she says.

TEACHER: Christy Daniels

SCHOOL: Elsanor Elementary School

GRADE(S) TAUGHT: Kindergarten

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a health nut and I eat very clean. I sometimes eat very healthy unusual foods, and sometimes the students ask me “What’s that?” and “Why are you eating that?”