By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, 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 educator is Kaleasha Welch. She teaches second grade at Caryville Elementary School. 

Welch is from Briceville. She graduated from Anderson County High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Tennessee Tech. She has been teaching for two years and was inspired to follow her career path in education by a friend. 

Caryville Elementary School’s Kaleasha Welch is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week. She is pictured with her niece Lydia.

“A good friend, Loren Forgety, inspired me to get into teaching along with my want to help kids and be a good, positive role model in their lives,” Welch said.

Her favorite part of the job is the “kids.”

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

“They honestly help/teach me more than I’d ever be able to help/teach them and they make those rough days worth every single minute in that classroom. Knowing I can be a constant in the lives of those that may not have that elsewhere, at least while they are in my classroom, is a positive that keeps me going,” Welch said.

She also said she could never have made it to where she is without God and her family. 

“They instilled in me what it means to serve Him and to love Him which has helped me make it through all life as thrown at me,” Welch 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 4/20/2023- 6AM)