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Wlaf1450
By Charlotte Underwood
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- Teachers make a difference in their students’ lives 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. We’ve all had that teacher who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hard-working educators with a weekly feature.
This week’s featured teacher is Audra Parks Wilson. She is currently the guidance counselor at Jacksboro Middle School and is in her fourth year as a guidance counselor.
Wilson is 27 years old and is a Campbell County native through and through. She said she has lived on the same street in Caryville her entire life!
Wilson’ hobbies include being a mom to her “sweet little baby girl Presley Mae and coaching cheerleading at CCHS!”
“Those two things keep me busier than I ever have been in my life, but I love it!” Wilson said.
She graduated from Campbell County High School in 2014, attended Roane State Community College for one year and Lincoln Memorial University for one year where she was on the cheerleading team.
Audra Parks Wilson is Eagle Tire Pros Teacher of the Week and is pictured with her husband Preston Wilson and their baby Presley Mae.
“I finished my bachelor’s degree at my dream school, UT Knoxville in 2018 where I majored in Psychology and minored in Child and Family Studies. I worked for Camelot Care Centers as a case worker before I quickly decided to go back for my master’s degree. I completed that at the University of the Cumberlands in May of 2020,” Wilson said.
She is currently the guidance counselor at Jacksboro Middle School, and this is her first year at JMS.
“I was previously the counselor at Valley View Elementary for three years, making this my fourth year as a school counselor. Before that I was an assistant at LMS and JMS during my time in graduate school,” Wilson said.
Though she didn’t know that she wanted to choose a career path in education right away, Wilson said she has been influenced by Campbell County’s education system from the very beginning.
“I didn’t always know I wanted to be in education. It kind of just happened because I knew I loved kids and wanted to make a difference in our community so it just made sense to start my journey into school counseling. My mom is a long-time employee of the Campbell County Board of Education, and my dad is a former school board member, so I’ve been influenced by our system essentially my entire life,” Wilson said.
Her favorite part about her role in the school is “being a safe place for our students to come when they’re in need and building relationships with our kids and their families.”
Wilson said that she was able to follow her career path thanks to the support of family and friends.
“Thank you to my coworkers who are more like family and all those who have believed in me along my journey! And a special thank you to my family for always supporting me in everything I do!”
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 PUBISHED- 09/05/2024-6AM)