Billie Jo Ralston is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week 

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, 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 Billie Jo Ralston. She teaches Theater Arts at Campbell County High School.

Ralston grew up in the Speedwell area the Flat Hollow specifically, and attended Valley View Elementary, LaFollette Jr. High, and CCHS.

She earned her Associate Degree from Roane State Community College, her Bachelor’s Degree from Tennessee Tech University, a Masters of Education from Bethel University, and both her Ed.S. and Ed.D. from University of the Cumberlands.

In her free time, Ralston loves to travel, take pictures, cook, and she “adores crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Anything crafty and building things.” 

Ralston currently teaches Theatre Arts at CCHS, which feels like home to her, especially since her husband works at the school as well as a welding instructor.

Ralston loves teaching theater arts at the high school and credits several very special ladies for influencing her career decisions.

To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com.

“I would have to say that my mom, Joan Russell, and two high school teachers, Carolyn Cox and Joy Lynn Davis, were the most influential forces in my life by instilling in me a love for reading and learning,” Ralston said.

Each of these women played an integral role in her life and influenced her in their own ways.

“While my mother always expressed a desire to be a librarian and encouraged my love of reading, Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Davis helped me discover my love of both reading and writing. All three of these ladies had a tremendous impact in my life and helped cement a desire to help others learn and explore the world of literature. It was in Mrs. Cox’s English II class that I first discovered my love of plays,” Ralston said.

Other inspirations in her life include “God and her family.”

“My husband and my daughters have inspired me to keep working to attain my goals, and I only hope and pray that in turn I can inspire them to always believe in themselves and to know that they can achieve anything through hard work and dedication. I would be remiss not to thank God for always carrying me through the hard times and guiding me through every minute of every day. I thank Him for allowing me to be His vessel and work with these kids every day.”

Ralston “absolutely loves teaching Theatre Arts, and one of the biggest blessings is watching students discover a love of the process of theatre.”

“We explore both the technical and artistic aspects of the course, and it is beyond satisfying to see these kids grow and gain confidence in themselves and their talents/skills. There is no greater satisfaction than watching their eyes light up when they discover all that they are capable of doing and hearing them so excited at the end of a show. We have each other’s backs, and my students know that I am there for them both in and out of the classroom,” Ralston said.

She also loves her workplace and her coworkers at CCHS and said she feels God has placed her right where she is supposed to be.

“I’m blessed to work and have worked with some of the very best people I have ever known. I am especially blessed to work in the same school with my husband and be able to help his students on occasion. To me, teaching is a ministry.  It is a way to serve others and help those who may need it. I am honored to be a teacher, and I truly love all my kiddos.”

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 – 8/8/2024- 6AM)