James Skeans is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the week

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.

This week’s featured educator is James Skeans. He is the Criminal Justice Instructor at Campbell County High School, and he is in his third year as an educator.

Skean has over two decades of experience in law enforcement, having served in a wide range of roles—from patrol officer to school resource officer, and nearly ten years as a detective.

He attended grade school in southeastern Kentucky and went on to enroll at Walters State College, where he completed the police academy and earned his certification as a basic law enforcement officer—launching his career in the field. Later, he continued his education and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree.

“I began my full-time teaching career about three years ago at TCAT, and in 2022, I transitioned to teaching Criminal Justice at Campbell County High School…My background in law enforcement naturally led me to this path, as there is no other subject I am more passionate about or enjoy teaching and discussing as much as criminal justice,” Skeans said.

In addition to teaching Criminal Justice at CCHS, Skeans also leads the school’s European travel program, “Cougars Across the Globe,” which gives students the opportunity to experience diverse cultures firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of life in different parts of the world.

Skeans said he “stumbled” across his career in education since he went to school as a law enforcement officer.

“I stumbled into teaching unexpectedly when the president of TCAT called to say they were looking for an instructor with my background. I interviewed, got the job, and quickly found that I had a natural ability to connect with students and a real passion for teaching,” Skeans said.

His biggest influence came from the veteran teachers around him who constantly offered encouragement and that he “was a natural in the classroom.”

“Their support motivated me to keep pushing forward, and I made it my goal to become the best educator I could be by seeking guidance from some of the top teachers in the East Tennessee area,” Skeans said.

He had one teacher in particular in his youth that has inspired him to be the educator that he is today.

“In third grade at Long Jack Elementary School, I had a teacher who reminded me of Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus—her classes were always interactive, fun, and filled with hands-on learning, including field trips that tied directly into our lessons. She treated every student equally, regardless of background or appearance, and showed patience even with those of us who struggled to stay on task, like me. She was my favorite teacher, and when I began teaching, I set a goal to follow her example. I truly believe her influence has played a big role in the success I’ve had in my own classroom,” Skeans said.

His favorite part about being an educator is watching students grow and mature.”

“Seeing them push beyond their limits, achieve their goals, and build a better life for themselves is incredibly rewarding. I also value the opportunity to form lasting professional relationships, helping students build confidence and become able to handle the difficulties of the life ahead. You may forget what you were taught, but you will never forget how someone made you feel. I believe that great teachers do not just teach lessons; they light fires that last a lifetime, and they build confidence that a student will never forget,” Skeans said.

Another favorite is where he works and the people he works with.

“The support I receive from my principals, Mr. Ben Foust and Ms. Amanda Thompson, has made a huge impact. They give me the freedom and encouragement to grow my class and make it engaging for students—because when learning is fun, it doesn’t feel like school.”

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-05/01/2025-6AM)