WLAF’s Teacher Feature of the Week: Ann Browning

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – There are many wonderful teachers in Campbell County, and WLAF wants to feature a different teacher each week.

 We’ve all had that one teacher in our lives that has made all the difference. That teacher that encouraged you to try harder to live up to your full potential; the teacher that believed in you even when you didn’t believe in yourself.  For me, that teacher was Ann Browning, which is why I chose Mrs. Browning to be in this first WLAF Teacher Feature.  So without further ado, here’s to you Mrs. Browning!  I am so glad you were my teacher 20 years ago!

Ann Browning started her 22nd year of teaching this school year.  She currently teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History at Campbell County High School.  She also serves as the instructional coach.

“I came to teaching later in life (age 37) after 15 years in the corporate realm.  My work life in 1993 was very tenuous, a threat of corporate buy-out again looming, the fourth in eight years.  My boss and my parents all encouraged me to go back to school.  I was a single parent with a child entering elementary school and it was a bit scary, but with lots of support from family and friends, I took the plunge,” Browning said.

She said she initially planned to major in Nuclear Medicine and get a three year degree.  However, one “terrific history teacher- Dr. Spencer Culbreth at Cleveland State Community College – changed all that!”

She transferred to Tennessee Wesleyan College and majored in History, adding a teaching endorsement along the way.  Five years into her teaching career, she added a master’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University.  Browning said continuing her education changed her life in “so many positive ways!”

According to Mrs.  Browning, her favorite part of teaching is getting to work with young people.  “Their energy, willingness to do hard things, and eagerness to share their ideas always inspires me.  I learn something every year from my students and have made many life-long friendships with my former students,” Browning said, adding that she now worked with some of those former students.

With all that has happened this year, teachers are having to get creative to deal with the pandemic and all the learning challenges that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

As for teaching in a pandemic, according to Mrs. Browning, “flexibility is the key!”

“Students and teachers are facing many challenges, but I truly feel we are supporting each other as we navigate through this. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone and have embraced learning new technology, recording my lectures, and “flipping” my classroom.  Even with all the craziness, I’ve experienced a new surge of excitement as my students and I learn these new strategies together,” Browning said.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/03/2020-6AMPHOTO COURTESY OF KATHERINE AYERS)