By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Janice Craig is WLAF’s teacher of the week. She is currently an instructional coach at Valley View Elementary School and has been an educator for nearly 50 years.

Janice Craig is WLAF’s teacher of the week. She has been an educator nearly 50 years.

Craig is a lifelong resident of Campbell County. She grew up attending Campbell County Schools, beginning with Victory, East LaFollette, LaFollette Junior High and graduating from LaFollette High School.

“I am the youngest of eight children and the first, but not last, of my family to obtain a college degree, a feat I could not imagine being possible as a child,” Craig said.

She has always loved “anything school and learning,” and still does.

She has been involved in the Campbell County School System for 49.5 years as a teacher of grades 1-5 and Reading Recovery, a reading interventionist, and an instructional coach.

“Watching the expression on a student’s face when he or she puts all the pieces together and the learning “clicks” is an indescribable joy.  Recalling how much I enjoyed school as a student and how much I enjoy teaching is something I would like to have a small part in passing on to students and teachers today,” Craig said. 

According to Craig, being surrounded by a strong support system of parents, colleagues, assistants, volunteers, and administrators has empowered her to provide opportunities for the students. 

“I desire to be that support for those with whom I work,” Craig said. 

It was a teacher of her own that inspired her career in education. It was during her fifth grade school year, which was, according to Craig, by far the most difficult of her educational experience. 

“I had transferred from a small, country school to a “big, town school.” I knew no one there. Mrs. Mary Ollie Andrews was my fifth grade teacher. She was soft spoken, kind, and such an encourager. She devoted many hours to helping me successfully transition. She had such a strong belief system in her students. I hoped to someday pay forward her contributions to my academic and personal growth by doing the same for another student,” Craig said. 

“I have been blessed to work at Valley View, Wynn, and Caryville Elementary. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would do so without hesitation!” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/06/2022-6AM)

2 Replies to “Janice Craig is WLAF’s teacher of the week”

  1. Thank you, WLAF,Charlotte Underwood, whomever made the nomination, and everyone who left such a kind comment. I am humbled and grateful.

  2. She is a wonderful teacher, both of my kids had her in school . We love you Janice craig. Pat, Aaron , Katelyn Adkins

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