Garrison Hayes is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, 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.

Garrison Hayes is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week. He teaches at LaFollette Middle School and serves in multiple roles including Math RTI instructor, Head Football Coach, and Athletic Director.

The individual who nominated Hayes said the coach was a “wonderful teacher and mentor to his students. You learn from his teaching skills and his ability to grow as a better student. He protects each and every one of his students and also treats them like family, but most of all he has a very good heart and outstanding mind for each student and players… He has the drive, compassion and the hard work to be a light for each of the kids and truly cares about his students. and also, he makes a huge impact on his students and school.”

Hayes is originally from Rocky Top and attended Anderson County High School before continuing his education at Carson-Newman University.

During his own school years, Hayes was influenced by multiple educators who guided his own career decision to become a teacher.

“Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from several incredible educators who helped shape the direction of my life. Chris Enix at Lake City Middle School and David Williams at Lake City Elementary were two of the most influential teachers I had growing up. Their passion, energy, and belief in their students inspired me deeply and played a major role in my decision to enter the field of education myself,” Hayes said.

He has been in an education career for five years.

“Today, I teach at LaFollette Middle School, where I serve in multiple roles: Math RTI instructor, Head Football Coach, and Athletic Director. I have been in education for five years, and I also work weekends at Prime IV. Teaching is incredibly rewarding to me, because I get to watch students grow, learn, and become more confident in themselves every day. Being part of their progress—academically, athletically, and personally—is the most meaningful part of my work,” Hayes said.

Another favorite is where he works, LMS.

“My football team and my colleagues truly feel like family. The relationships we build, the challenges we overcome together, and the victories both on and off the field make this job something I am grateful for every single day.”

When asked about hobbies outside of school, Coach Hayes had this to say:

“In the words of Coach Alex Golesh (former UT Offensive Coordinator and new Auburn Coach): “I don’t play golf, fish, or hunt, I coach football.”

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-12/04/20325-6AM)