Loretta Phillips is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

This week’s feature marks the 160th in the series made possible by Eagle Tire Pros

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 Loretta Phillips. She teaches Special Education at Jacksboro Elementary School and is in her third year as an educator.

Phillips lives in LaFollette with her “large family” and loves local sports and watching her “children and students play soccer, golf, baseball, softball, football, basketball, dance and cheer.”

She also enjoys “cooking and trying out new recipes.”

Phillips was raised in Norwood, Ohio, with roots in Campbell County. 

“I spent a lot of summers here, and I now call this area home ” Phillips said.

She received her teaching degree from Western Governors University in Tennessee, where she was certified in both general education and special education.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Phillips was in the healthcare field.

She said she loved working in healthcare, but patient education was her favorite part.

“The more I worked with patients, I realized that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of patients before they became patients. A lot of health care issues start with social emotional issues which go way back to childhood. I am hopeful to make a positive difference that will leave a positive impact on each individual,” Phillips said.

She raised her children in Campbell County and “was blessed to have Betty Scarborough and Janice Craig” teach them several years ago.

“They inspired me with their method of teaching since every student was an individual child. I keep this front and center in my teaching by building relationships with my students to understand who they are as an individual and teach them, always keeping in mind that it is not a one size fits all,” Phillips said.

She was “inspired to become a teacher in hopes to teach children to love life, education and to have real obtainable goals.”

She started out her teaching career at Jacksboro Middle School as a special education assistant while she was completing her degree and said it was “a great experience.” 

In her first year at Jacksboro Elementary School, she taught intervention and then she taught Kindergarten. Now she teaches special education, which was her “teaching goal all along.”

“I especially love making a positive difference in the lives of young minds. This is my third year teaching, and I love my new career here at Jacksboro Elementary. I have great mentors and co-workers,” Phillips 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, send the nomination to  wlaf@1450wlaf.com (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/19/2023-6AM)