Jessica Chapman is Eagle Tire Pros Teacher of the Week 

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 Jessica Chapman. She teaches math at Jacksboro Middle School and is in her 13^th year as an educator.

She was in Campbell County and is married to another local educator, Justin Chapman. Together, they have two daughters Jaci and Jenna Kate. 

Her favorite hobby is being her two daughter’s biggest cheerleader in all their activities. 

“But when we get free time, I enjoy spending time with my extended family, doing things outdoors, serving at my church, and going to concerts,” Chapman said.

 Chapman attended Campbell County public schools from kindergarten through 12^th grade. She went to West LaFollette Elementary, Jacksboro Middle, and Campbell County High School.

“I went to College at East Tennessee State University.  I chose to attend college there because I was going to major in dental hygiene. My first two years there I took many science classes so I could apply to the dental hygiene program,” Chapman said.

Becoming a teacher was not on her radar at all until she took a service-learning class that required her to do volunteer work in the community.

“I was placed in an afterschool program at Girls Inc. where I found a true purpose. I did double the amount of hours required and was offered a part-time job there after the completion of my class, which I gladly accepted.  At the end of that semester, I went to a counselor in the education department and asked how far behind I would be if I changed majors,” Chapman said.

Her goal was to graduate in four years. She was told she was on schedule and had more credits than required to apply to the program.

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

“I made the major change that day, never looked back, and still managed my goal of graduating in four years.  I called my mom that afternoon to tell her that I had made the change and just how easily everything had worked out. She told me she had always known I was going to be a teacher and that she was proud of me,” Chapman said. 

She currently teaches math at Jacksboro Middle School and is her 13^th year in public education.

“I began my career at the Christian Academy of Campbell County. I have taught at two elementary schools as well as both LMS and JMS thus far in my career,” Chapman said. 

Though she never intended to become an educator herself, she had “so many inspiring teachers in her school career and has also taught with some amazing educators.”

“I strive to be like them every day in my classroom,” Chapman said.

She said she was incredibly blessed to work with Sharon Johnson at the beginning of her career.

“She has always encouraged me to be the best me and lifted me up at times when it was needed,” Chapman said.

Her grandmother, Gail Williams, also inspired her to become a teacher. Gail worked in the school system as an assistant in special education and regular education for almost 30 years. 

‘She was happy to go to work every morning.  She loved being at school and gladly helped with anything she could. I remembered many nights her cutting out things or putting things together for future lessons for teachers she worked with. She also has helped me with many projects in my own classrooms over the years. She has been retired for about 15 years but the way she still lights up and remembers each person when former students or co-workers see her out, is something to be admired,” Chapman said.

Her favorite parts of the job are that” no two days are the same and the students.”

“If being a teacher has taught me anything, it is to be flexible.  As a teacher, you are never bored.  I love getting to see those “Ah,Ha” moments when a student gets something they have been struggling with or new concept. Watching students work hard toward their goals is really inspiring. I always tell my students that we all have things that we could use for an excuse, but it is better to use those things to drive your goals.  I love getting to be a small part of student’s education journey,” Chapman said. 

She has a message for fellow teachers and just everyone in general about today’s youth.

“It is easy to get discouraged when you hear people speak negatively about our youth, but who does that help?  We should invest our time and resources richly in our youth, you never know how your time could impact and change a young person’s life.  I strive to see the good and to remind students to keep shining and getting those goals.”

And despite not intending to become a teacher, Chapman said she feels she is exactly where she is supposed to be.

“Teaching was not my original intention.  I am so thankful for that service-learning class that changed my trajectory,” she said.

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 5/9/2024-6AM)