Tiffany Braden is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the week

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- 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. 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.

Tiffany Braden is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the week. She works at LaFollette Middle School and Campbell County High School as a band director. This includes middle school band then high school marching band, concert band, jazz band, and other extra things such as winter guard and drum major courses!

Braden was born and raised in LaFollette. She is married to “a wonderful husband” and together they have a “beautiful daughter.”  

“They are my whole world. We love watching movies, gardening, and having adventures. They encourage me every day and I couldn’t do it without them! We have two dogs, Wolf and Obi, that keep us on our toes and remind us to keep our shoes out of the floor because they love to chew haha!” Braden said.

She attended LaFollette Middle School and Campbell County High School where she was in the band program.

From there, she went to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she majored in instrumental music education, marched in the Pride of the Southland Marching band, and played in the other concert bands.

Braden loves working with the students and encouraging them to do their best.

“My favorite thing about my job is using music to create a safe and welcoming community where students are always encouraged to be their best self and do their best work! Seeing students with all different backgrounds, personalities, and lives come together to create something beautiful truly is one of a kind. Getting to work with students from 6th-12th grade allows you to build relationships with the students and truly get to know them. I consider that a privilege because we have some absolutely brilliant and talented students in our schools!” Braden said.

She had her own inspiring teachers while in school, which helped her follow her own dream of being a music educator and working in her hometown.

“I had the privilege of getting to learn from both Mr. (Don) Hendricks and Mr. (Adam) Wright while I was in school. They paved the way for me and pushed me every step of the way. After band camp my 8th grade year, I decided I wanted to be a band director, and they pushed me every day after that. Band was my home, my safe place. It is a passion that started the second I picked up my trumpet in 6th grade and it’s only grown since,” Braden said.

Braden said she had other teachers outside of band that were also inspiring for her and pushed her to be her best and that working with those same educators now that she is a teacher herself is very rewarding.

“Obviously being a band kid, Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Wright were very prominent for me throughout school. Outside of music, I took multiple AP classes where Mrs. (Ann) Browning & Mrs. (Lisa) Copeland taught me so much. You truly can’t find educators more dedicated to their craft. You never saw them lacking. Now, as an educator myself, I’ve only grown to respect them more. It’s a privilege to be able to work alongside such incredible educators!” Braden said.

Another favorite part about her career is the schools where she teaches.

“My favorite thing about LaFollette Middle School is the family atmosphere! Everyone is so kind and welcoming. From the custodians, cafeteria staff, teachers, to the administration – we are all part of a team. At the high school, it’s much bigger, and only being there for half of the day, it’s harder to get to know every teacher, but once we get under those stadium lights in the fall, we are all there to root on our team, community, and school! Getting to watch student athletes, the pep club, the staff, and the community all gather on Friday nights is my favorite! I cherish those moments!” Braden 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 an education for educator of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-06/26/2025-6AM)