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Wlaf1450
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.
Rebecca Mongar Collette is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the week. She teaches PreK at Valley View Elementary School and is beginning her 19th year as an educator.
“Miss Rebecca” as her Pre-K kids call her, said she “was blessed to be raised in Campbell County and attend West LaFollette Elementary, LaFollette Middle, and Campbell County High Schools.
After graduation, she attended Roane State Community College, where she played softball and completed her associate’s degree, and then attended Tennessee Technical University to complete her undergraduate and master’s degrees.
“I went on to complete my Ed.S. at Lincoln Memorial University and most recently defended my dissertation to complete my doctorate through the University of the Cumberlands,” Collette said.
Over the past two decades, Collette said she has worked with amazing people in the school system and had some wonderful students and parents as well.
“I have had the opportunity to teach and coach in the Campbell County school system for the past 18 years, where I have met and worked with many amazing educators, students, athletes, and parents. I have had the honor of serving as an educator at Valley View Elementary, as an assistant principal at LaFollette Elementary, and I coached softball at CCHS for 15 years. I believe that God placed me in each of those roles and positions to serve the students, educators, and athletes I have been blessed to teach, lead, and coach to not only make a difference in their lives but for them to make a difference in mine. God’s timing and plan for our lives are always perfect,” Collette said.
While attending school in Campbell County, she said she had several educators that inspired her or played important roles in her life.
“Three teachers who have inspired me are the late Mr. Steve E. Rutherford, Mrs. Donna Housley, and Mrs. Diana Chapman. These three individuals made lasting impressions that continue to shape the educator that I am and strive to be. I was fortunate to begin my teaching career at Valley View Elementary under the leadership of Mr. Steve E. Rutherford. I am forever grateful for all the encouragement, guidance, and support he gave me as a teacher, administrator, and coach. As I start my 19th year, I will continue to teach PreK at Valley View with an incredible team of administrators, educators, support staff, and students.”
Her favorite part of teaching is “having the opportunity to instill a love for learning into the lives of children.” She said she especially loves teaching the littles.
“It is an honor to be a PreK teacher and often a child’s first teacher. I hope that every child who passes through my classroom feels loved, important, empowered, and encouraged as they start their educational journey. The sky is the limit, and my job is to give them the foundation they need to succeed. I am excited to meet the amazing group of preschool students that God has chosen for me this year and am looking forward to a great year.”
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-07/31/2025-6AM)