Harold Sanders is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, 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 Harold Sanders. He is the principal of the East La Follette Learning Academy (ELLA). He has been an educator for 30 years!

Sanders is originally from Orlando, Florida, “specifically the Seminole County area.”

He graduated high school from Anderson County High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Cumberland College in Kentucky and a master’s at Tennessee Tech.

Currently, Sanders serves as the principal at East La Follette Learning Academy (ELLA), and at the end of this school year, he will have been in education for 30 years. He also “plans to retire at the end of this school year.”

During his 30 years in education, Sanders said he has worked at multiple schools, learning skills and lessons along the way.

“Over my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in various schools, each contributing to my growth as an educator. I taught at La Follette Middle School, at Jacksboro Elementary School, at Jellico Elementary School, and 14 years at Jellico High School where, I dedicated 12 years to the alternative school. I gained valuable experience supporting students who needed extra guidance and structure. These experiences ultimately prepared me for my role at ELLA and helped shape the vision of what we’ve built here,” Sanders said.

He followed a career in education through the influences of his mother, among other educators and coaches.

“My inspiration to pursue a career in education came from my mother, Kathy, and her close teaching friends, Kathleen Benedict and Paula Campbell, who showed me the impact of dedicated educators. On the sports side, mentors like Dallas Stults, Randy Vernon, Steve Hurst, Jim Arnold, Danny Oaks, and Vic King influenced my love of basketball and football, which initially drew me to teaching as a way to stay connected to sports. What stands out the most from the sports side of my career is the relationship I’ve built with former players and coaches throughout the state—relationships that have lasted years and continue to mean so much to me,” Sanders said.

According to Sanders, “after 30 years, there are so many stories” he could share, “but what stands out most is what we’ve built as a staff at ELLA.”

“In recent years, I’ve realized how much our work matters to students who feel like they have nowhere else to turn. They know they can come to us for help, guidance, and support without fear of judgment. That trust and connection with our students make the work deeply meaningful,” Sanders said.

“As I reflect on my career, I’m grateful for the colleagues and mentors who’ve inspired me along the way and for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team at ELLA. Together, we’ve created a place where students feel safe, valued, and supported, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of as I move into the next chapter of my life.”

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-12/12/2024-6AM)