John Ayers 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 hard-working educators with a weekly feature.

This week’s featured educator is John Ayers. He is the custodian at Valley View Elementary School.

According to Valley View Principal Jason Dotson, Ayers goes the extra mile for the students and does a great job at the school.

“John is much more than just a custodian to our school. His experience and willingness to maintain a clean, healthy building has a direct effect on student well-being, staff morale, and the overall perception of our school. We are very thankful to have him here at Valley View,” Dotson said.

Ayers is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. From Florida, he moved to North Carolina and served as the maintenance supervisor at Southwestern Community College in Silva, N.C. He moved to Campbell County around a year ago to be closer to his mother, who lives in Clinton, Tennessee.

He said it was his mother Cindi McGhee who inspired him and that she was “the biggest influence in his life.”

“She is a good woman and if you wasn’t good, she’d let you know it; she is also a missionary for her church at St. Marks Methodist in Clinton. She has always helped people and that has been an inspiration to me,” Ayers said.

Ayers is married to his wife Laura; they have four children, and 11 grandchildren.

When he is not working, Ayers said he “loves to hunt and fish” and really enjoys living in Campbell County.

“I love the small-town feel of Campbell County. The people are friendly and honest, and I get to be close to mama, who lives in Clinton,” Ayers said. He had retired from his job as a maintenance supervisor in North Carolina and moved here to Tennessee to be closer to his mom, but while retired, Ayers said he “got bored” and decided to go back to work. The job at Valley View was a perfect fit.

“I like the teachers that I work with, they are dedicated to the students, and it shows; and I like being around the kids, they call me Mr. John and we cut up and have a good time,” Ayers said.

He also said that working with Valley View Principal Jason Dotson was a great aspect of his job.

“He is a very good principal and is great with the kids; I enjoy working for him and at Valley View.”

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 1/30/2025- 6AM)