Tammy Baird is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Teachers make a difference in their students lives each and every day. For many students, having a teacher, counselor or principal who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that educator who has inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hard working educators with a weekly feature. This week’s featured educator is Tammy Baird. She has been an educator for more than 23 years and is currently the Literacy Coordinator for the Campbell County School District. This is her first year in that position.

Baird received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Lincoln Memorial University and her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Union College. She is married to Kenny Baird and together they have two sons, Logan and Caleb and a daughter-in law Kendra.

Baird grew up in the Chaska community of Campbell County and attended Wynn School for K-12th grades. 

She said the teachers there encouraged and supported her to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. 

Baird said she comes from a family of educators and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. 

“When I was little, I would “play school” with my brother and cousins. I developed a love for reading at a very young age. My mom always saw that I had plenty of books to read. She enrolled us in book clubs and books were constantly being delivered to our home,” Baird said.

 One of her most treasured Christmas gifts came from her Aunt Jean when she was around ten years old. “It was The Little House on the Prairie book series!  I continue today to be an avid reader. In fact, I read two books over spring break,” Baird said. 

She began teaching in 1990 at West LaFollette Elementary School and has spent her entire career in Campbell County. Baird taught first and second grades for 18 years at West LaFollette Elementary and later LaFollette Elementary School. She then moved to Jacksboro Elementary and taught third grade for five years. Since then, she has worked as an interventionist and as an instructional coach in various schools across the county. 

According  to Baird she was “blessed to teach with many wonderful teachers” who mentored her and helped her to become a better teacher. 

“My friend Erma Hatmaker took me under her wing and shared her classroom as we team-taught together for several years,” Baird said.

This year Baird started a new job as the Literacy Coordinator for the school district. She said she felt like God has been preparing her for this role her entire life. 

“It combines my love of reading with my desire to help students become better readers. I am very proud to work with and serve all the wonderful teachers in our county,” Baird 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 a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/14/2022-6AM)