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Wlaf1450
By Charlotte Underwood
JACKSBORO, 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.
Megan Whaley is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week. She teaches 1st grade at Jacksboro Elementary School and has been an educator for “14.5” years.
Whaley is “a native Campbell Countian” and attended Campbell County High School. She received her Master’s in Education from Cumberland University. She is married to her husband Jason and they have two sons, Jacob, age 9 and Ethan, age 4.
Her hobbies include “reading and spending time with friends and family.”
Whaley said she was inspired to teach by her aunt Shirley Helms, who lives in South Carolina.
“I currently teach 1st grade at Jacksboro Elementary, and I have been teaching 14.5 years. I was inspired to teach by my aunt who was a teacher for many years. In school, I had many mentors who encouraged me to follow my dream of teaching. Mrs. Carolyn Cox was one of them. Even after graduating. She continued to encourage me and was one of my many cheerleaders,” Whaley said.
Her favorite part about her job is the “aha” moments.
“It sounds cliche, but I love the lightbulb moments my students have. That makes teaching a work of heart for me,” Whaley said.
Another favorite part of her job is where she works.
“I love the camaraderie I have with my fellow co-workers.”
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-02/12/2026-6AM)