Kelli Cochran-Daugherty is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – We’ve all had that teacher who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute one of our hard working educators with a weekly feature. 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.

This week’s featured teacher is Kelli Cochran-Daugherty. She teaches P.E. (Physical Education) at Jacksboro Elementary School and has been an educator for 22 years!

Cochran-Daugherty grew up in Knoxville, and attended  Tennessee Wesleyan College, now Tennessee Wesleyan University.

It was her “home” for almost 5 years, where she played softball for the Bulldogs and was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

When not teaching, Kelli enjoys taking adventures with her family and spending time with her mom.  

“One of our favorite adventures is camping and playing outside. I also love tinkering with technology,” Cochran-Daugherty said. 

She said she has been fortunate to have spent her entire 22 years teaching P.E. at Jacksboro Elementary.  

“In my first year teaching, I was also at Ridgewood Elementary. I have also always had the blessing of having a teaching partner. I have had many throughout my career, and each one brought something different to life,” Cochran-Daugherty said. 

Teaching was not a career she had ever thought about going into, but she had so many people in her life tell her she would be great at it, that she decided to go for it. 

“I always thought I wanted to be a softball coach, but it turns out P.E. is where I was meant to be. Though it is not something I ever saw myself doing, it is where I am lead to be year after year.  When people ask what I do, I always say, “I play all day.”   I’m not sure who is learning more, me or my students,” Cochran-Daugherty said. 

For her, it’s not about what she can teach but rather what memories can be made for her students.  

“I love when I see former students and they ask me if I remember some game or time they got the best of me when they were there. The one thing I hope that anyone I cross paths with remembers about me is that I strive to share smiles, laughter and love in everything I do,” Cochran-Daugherty 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 – 09/07/2023-6AM)