Crystal Crabtree is WLAF’S “Teacher of the Week”

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The education spotlight shines on LaFollette Middle School Teacher Crystal Crabtree as WLAF’s “Teacher of  the Week.”

She teaches seventh grade Math and Distance Learning at LaFollette Middle School and is in her 17th year as an educator.

According to Crabtree, teaching wasn’t always “on her radar” as a career. In fact, she was a Psychology major in college and was uncertain of her future, but with the help of God and a good friend, she found her calling.

“I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life until I let the Lord guide me. With the help of a great friend (Stephanie Hicks Shelton), I took an education class and realized this was my calling. I continue teaching all these years later because I adore my students and love teaching math.”
Crabtree said her favorite part of teaching is watching the learning process unfold.

“I love to watch my students understand concepts they never thought they could. Also, I love seeing my students grow and pursue their passions later in life! Teachers truly see their students as their “kids” and love seeing all their successes in life.”

Despite all the challenges faced by teachers in 2020, local educators are finding ways to look at it positively. Crabtree said social distancing guidelines had led to smaller classes, which allows for more “one on one” interaction.

“I am able to get to know my students easier and have more time to help with one-on-one work. I know so much about them personally, because I can spend more time with them individually. I love it” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/05/2020-6AM)