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Wlaf1450
By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, 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 Lisa Heatherly McClain. She currently teaches 6th grade Science at LaFollette Middle School. McClain said she is “an original LaFollette girl” and attended school at Valley View Elementary School, LaFollette Junior High School and CCHS.
When she’s not teaching, McClain said she “likes traveling to new places and trying out new restaurants.”
“I enjoy crafting and watching movies- when I have time. Also, this time of year, I love driving to see all the different Christmas light displays!” McClain said.
McClain said there are two things she “always knew from a young age”, one that she “loved school” and two, that she “wanted to be a teacher.” She credits her mother as a main inspiration as an educator.
“At about age 5, my younger cousins were my first students – whether they wanted to be or not! I am an original LaFollette girl- Valley View Elem, LaFollette Jr. High (which gives away my age), and CCHS. I had some excellent teachers along the way- too many to name. However, my greatest teaching inspiration is my mom, Linda Heatherly, who has taught in many capacities throughout the years,” McClain said.
She graduated from “Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville and ended up taking a Middle Tennessee detour to the business community.” This led to McClain owning her own business for several years, however, she “never lost her desire to teach.”
“Along the way, many times I volunteered to teach elective classes to students, as well as classes in various educational co-operatives in the Knoxville area,” McClain said.
Teaching in her hometown of LaFollette is “exactly where she’s supposed to be.”
“I am glad to say that I am back at home in LaFollette with my parents, my 21-year-old son, and my two fur babies. Currently I am teaching 6th grade Science at LaFollette Middle School. I feel blessed to teach at my school. I know this is where I am supposed to be. There’s a great deal of love and caring in that building that goes beyond the lessons in the textbooks. I am grateful to be working with my 6th grade team that have welcomed and supported me from day 1- as they set the example of the teacher I strive to be,” McClain said.
Her favorite part of the job is the “sense of wonderment when a new concept begins to come together for a student.”
“I hope to inspire in them a love of learning for their lifetimes. I also really enjoy when they rush up to tell me what is going on in their 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-01/02/2025-6AM)