Mackenzie Dilbeck is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week

By Charlotte Underwood 

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – We’ve all had that teacher who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute one of our hard working educators with a weekly feature. 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.

This week’s featured educator is Caryville Elementary School’s Mackenzie Dilbeck. 

She is from Caryville and is a Campbell County High School graduate. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Lincoln Memorial University. 

Dilbeck teaches fourth grade Math and Science at Caryville Elementary and is finishing up her second year as an educator.

Dilbeck was inspired to become a teacher after gaining experience as a substitute teacher.

“While in college, I was subbing in all Campbell County Schools on my days off from class. I wasn’t 100 percent sure what I wanted my career to be yet, so I began subbing,” Dilbeck said.

She knew she wanted her job to be “something meaningful that helped others and the community.”

It wasn’t until she received her associate degree that she “decided teaching was the career for her!”

According to Dilbeck, her favorite part of her job is seeing her students overcome something that is challenging to them. 

“They get so excited, and it is very rewarding to get them to experience that. I tell my students all the time that they truly make my bad days better,” Dilbeck said. 

In fact, it’s her students that keep her going on the rough days.

“Just taking a break and talking to them makes a world of difference in me and them. When they write me letters thanking me for everything I do, it helps me remember I’m doing all of this for them,” Dilbeck 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 – 06/01/2023-6AM)