Dr. MJ Meredith is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, 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 Dr. MJ Meredith. She is the Reading and Math Interventionist at LaFollette Middle School. She also teaches 7^th Grade Reading and is in her 24^th year in education. She has spent 23 of those years at LaFollette Middle School.

Meredith is from Clinton, TN. She graduated from Tennessee Tech in 2001 and graduated with her Doctorate from East Tennessee State University in 2022. 

“I am married to Arnie Meredith, and we have four children, Arnie, Bethany, Clay, and Victoria. Bethany is married to Aaron Benjamen, and they have my grandson Tucker,” Meredith said.

Her family owns the antique store downtown in LaFollette, Merrydeath Antiques.

“I love to watch football, especially the UT Vols and Kansas City Chiefs. I love hanging out with friends during my time, not in the classroom,” Meredith said.

Following a career in education was “always a dream” for Meredith, who said she had wanted to be a teacher since she was “old enough to talk.”

She also had educators during her own schooling that helped lead her to a career in education.

“I had some amazing educators at Clinton Elementary School that inspired me to continue into education, Mrs. Lillie Kay Reed, Ms. Brenda Fox, and Mrs. Betty Kay Pierce. I was given many opportunities at First Baptist Clinton to teach preschool children in choir and missions up to 6^th grade. These ladies gave me chances to explore my love of teaching and allowed me to continue throughout high school and into college,” Meredith said.

And even though “teaching has changed over the last couple of decades” the one thing that never changes is her love for the students in her classroom.

“I have had the opportunity to do many jobs while in education as a teacher, academic coach, district lead in Social Studies, and Assistant Principal. I love the position that I am in now because I am available to work in smaller groups and I am able to see students grow academically,” Meredith said.

She became a teacher to “inspire students to do their best” and said that loves helping students recognize the opportunities that are available to them locally.

“I have had the amazing opportunity to work with TCAT Jacksboro for three summers during Summer Camp and I have been amazed at all the opportunities our community offers the students in Campbell County. I think the main thing I can do is to show students all of the options that are available to them after high school. Whether that be college, vocational school, or the work force, it takes us all to make the world work. I love discussing with students as we read novels or short stories and as we make it relate to our lives.”

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-11/21/2024-6AM)