Jacob Cochran is Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week 

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)-  TWe’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 teacher is Jacob Cochran. He teaches 2nd grade at Jacksboro Elementary School.

Cochran is originally from Unicoi and has lived in Campbell County for around seven years now.

Cochran started his secondary education at ETSU and finished at Western Governor’s University.

When he’s not teaching, he spends a lot of time serving in the church he pastors, enjoying the company of his “lovely little family” and working on his master’s degree. 

This is Cochran’s first year in the classroom.

“It has been so amazing to start this chapter of my life in the 2nd grade,” Cochran said.

It was his own fifth grade teacher that inspired him to teach. 

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

“When I think of what inspired me to be a teacher, I think of my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Murphy. She left such an impact on my life. She was a wonderful teacher. It wasn’t necessarily that she just helped me do better in school because I’d always enjoyed that, but it was more that she invested in me personally. I became more confident in myself because she placed confidence in me. My view of education is shaped by my time with her and the lessons I learned from her beyond the curriculum she taught. I became a teacher with the hope that I might leave a small portion of that impact on someone else,” Cochran said. 

His favorite part of teaching is seeing students have that “ah ha moment.”

“My favorite part of what I do is seeing the students have aha moments with material they have been struggling with. Getting to know the strengths and weaknesses of each kid in my class and striving to bring the best out of them is something I love as well,” Cochran said.

He also said the team at Jacksboro Elementary also inspires him every day to be a better educator. 

“I have learned so much this year from the other 2nd grade teachers I work with and can honestly say that any good that I have done this year is due in no small part to them. Everyone in that building has shown so much support and guidance for which I am ever grateful,” Cochran 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 4/18/20240 6AM)