By Charlotte Underwood 

JELLICO, 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 Whitney Goins.

She is the librarian at Jellico Elementary School and is in her seventh year as an educator.

Whitney Goins is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week. She is the librarian at Jellico Elementary School.  Three years ago in December 2019, Whitney was named the Librarian of the month by the East Tennessee Association of School Librarians.

Goins said she was blessed with amazing teachers that each played a special role in leading her into the education field.

“As for becoming a librarian, Martha Wells played a large role in that. She was an amazing librarian who truly fostered my love of books, along with Mrs. Pam Walden, my fourth grade teacher. My goal is to foster that same love of books and reading in my students,” Goins said. 

Her favorite part about being a librarian is when students come back to her talking about how much they loved a book they have read. 

To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com

“Whether it was a book I recommended for them to try or a book they found, it thrills me for them to find books they love,” Goins said.

According to Goins, it’s her students and the relationships she has built with them that remind her why she became a teacher each day.

“My students and the relationships we have built remind me why I do the job I do and encourage me to press on even when things are hard,” Goins said. 

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 – 12/08/2022-6AM)