Amy Valandingham is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Teachers make a difference in their students lives each and every day. For many students, having a teacher who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that teacher who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hard working educators with a weekly feature.

This week’s featured teacher is Amy Valandingham.

Originally from Claiborne County, she is a graduate from Cumberland Gap High School. Amy found her way to Campbell County when she was completing her student teaching with the Tennessee Technological University. Valandingham has been at Campbell County High School for the past five years teaching Geometry and Algebra 2. 

According to Valandingham she had two teachers who inspired her career as an educator.

“The two people who had the biggest impact on my decision to be an educator and how I teach are Ronnie Bussell and Denice Hoffeditz. Mr. Bussell helped to foster my love for math and taught me to think critically. While I was never a student in Mrs. Hoffeditz’s class,  her dedication to her job, her patience, and how much she loved her students were always evident. I often think how I can be more like her in my own classroom, ” Valandingham said. 

Her favorite part of teaching is helping kids who struggle with math.

“A large number of students have a bad relationship with math when they walk into my classroom. I love that I have been given the opportunity to show them that they can do the work. I love when they finally understand something and get excited about math,” Valandingham said. 

On the hard days it’s the relationships with her students that keep her positive.

“I think the relationships I build with my students make the hard days better. Sometimes the job can be exhausting, but they make it worth it,” Valandingham.  

She also expressed it was an “honor to be chosen as Teacher of the week.” 

Every Thursday, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood features the WLAF – Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week. That educator also receives a free oil change from Eagle Tire Pros. To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/18/2022-6AM)