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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.
Michael Cain is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week. He teaches Probability and Statistics at Campbell County High School, as well as coaches the boys and girls golf teams.
“I am proud to say I was born, raised, and educated right here in Campbell County. For the past 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of giving back to this community through teaching and coaching. I spent my first seven years at LaFollette Middle School teaching 6th-grade math and science and coaching basketball, before moving to CCHS. After utilizing my business background to teach Personal Finance, I’ve truly found my home here teaching Probability and Statistics, as well as coaching the boys and girls golf teams,” Cain said.
He shared a little about his educational journey and his life.
“My educational journey began with an Associate of Science from Roane State and a degree in Business Administration from LMU. After earning my business degree, and 11 years in the car business, my brother Matt and I decided to enter the field of education at the same time. We went through the education program at Lincoln Memorial University together, completing our certification and going on to earn both our Master’s and Ed.S. degrees side-by-side.
Outside the classroom, my family is my foundation. I’ve been happily married to my wife, Jessica, for 21 years. Together on our family farm, we are kept company by our dogs, Zeke, Remi, Daisy Jane and Elli Mae. And when I’m not farming or teaching, I work as a pyrotechnician, putting on firework displays all across the southeast!” Cain said.
He said it was impossible to name every person who helped shape his career in education because he was “blessed with countless incredible teachers” as he made his way through the Campbell County school system.
“Looking back, I have fond memories and fun stories from every classroom I sat in, from kindergarten all the way through my college years at LMU. Each and every one of those educators truly molded and shaped me into the man I am today, and I am profoundly grateful for the lasting impact they had on my life and my career.
However, if I look at who directly shaped my path as an educator and coach, Robbie Heatherly has been someone I’ve admired since I was a youngster. To go from looking up to him, to having him as a teacher, watching him coach, and eventually working under him at LMS was a true honor. He took me under his wing and showed me immense grace while I was learning the ropes of teaching and coaching. Much like his dad, he was a mentor I respected deeply, and someone I never wanted to disappoint,” Cain said.
He also said that beyond his teaching mentors, he was “incredibly thankful for the exceptional leadership” he has worked under over the past 14 years.
His favorite part of the job, “without a doubt”, is “when former students come back to visit years after graduation.”
“I have been truly blessed to serve under administrative teams who supported me, guided me, and provided the opportunities that allowed me to grow as both a teacher and a coach. I am deeply grateful to each of them for their dedication to our schools and for making my journey in this school system possible,” Cain said.
“There is nothing better than traveling down memory lane together, laughing about old classroom stories, and catching up on where life has taken them. I love hearing about their successes, seeing how their families have grown, and knowing that I played a small part in their journey. Ultimately, being able to make a meaningful, lasting difference right here in my own community is what makes this profession so incredibly rewarding,” Cain said.
He also said he was “incredibly honored and humbled to be chosen as “Educator of the Week.”
“This recognition means the world to me, but it is truly a reflection of the incredible community I am surrounded by every single day. I am deeply thankful to get to walk into work alongside such an awesome group of colleagues, mentors, and friends who make our schools a wonderful place to teach and learn. Thank you to everyone for your support—Let’s go Cougars!”
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-06/04/2026-6AM)