By Charlotte Underwood 

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – Teachers make a difference in their students lives each and every day. For many students, having a teacher who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that teacher who 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 teacher is Amanda James. She is from LaFollette and currently lives in the Jacksboro community.  

Caryville Elementary School’s Amanda James is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week. She is pictured here with her son Brady.

James is an Instructional Coach at Caryville Elementary and has been in that position for two years. She also spent one year as a virtual teacher, one year at Caryville Elementary School teaching 4th grade math and science, and 10 years at LaFollette Middle School as a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher.

According to James, it was the life change of being “laid off” from work that led her to a new career path. 
“I was inspired to go into education during a period I was laid off from a job in Knoxville and decided to start substitute teaching. I fell in love with the art of teaching and the love of the students,” James said.  

To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com

Her favorite part of the job is “whole-heartedly the students…that is the reason we come to work and keep striving to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment,” James said.

On the hard days, she said it’s her nine year old son Brady that keeps her going. “I want to instill in him that working hard pays off and caring about your career makes all the difference in the world,” James 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 – 11/17/2022-6AM)