Brenna Rutherford-Ayers is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Educators make a difference in students’ lives every day. For many students, having a school employee who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that teacher, or school employee who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hardworking educators with a weekly feature.

Brenna Rutherford-Ayers is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week. She is in her very first year as an educator and teaches Kindergarten at LaFollette Elementary School.

Rutherford-Ayers was “born and raised in LaFollette and now lives in Jacksboro.” She is a Campbell County High School graduate and earned her bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University in May of 2025. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree from Tusculum University.

“This is my very first year teaching and I feel incredibly blessed to be a Kindergarten teacher at LaFollette Elementary School,” Rutherford-Ayers said.

Her sister, Bailey Perkins, who also teaches Kindergarten at Valley View Elementary School, helped to inspire her to follow a career in education and continues to inspire her “every single day.”

Rutherford-Ayers also gives credit to her parents for their support.

“I’m especially thankful for my parents, who have given me the most wonderful life and have loved, supported and cheered me on through every season,” Rutherford-Ayers said.

Another big inspiration for her was her first-grade teacher, Kyra Herrin.

“She has always been a big inspiration to me. Years later, having the chance to return as her student teacher before graduating college was truly full circle – and one of the best experiences,” Rutherford-Ayers 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-11/20/2025-6AM)