Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Cara Essary
LEXINGTON, Tenn. — Cara Essary’s 1st grade class at Bargerton Elementary School is filled with creativity and individuality, which is driven by her contagious smile. “I feel like it’s my job not only to make sure they have a good education foundation in first grade but to also be an example, a role model to them,” she said. Her mother was a teacher and a guidance counselor for 30 years. Essary says school has always been her second home and that it has inspired her to teach. “I really always had a desire to teach,” she said. “I feel like I was called to help people and serve others.” She says being an educator means to push her students to be the best they can be. “I just go into the classroom every day and do my best to help my students and to see them excel in everything that we’re working hard to do,” she said. Essary incorporates both whole group and small group learning because it allows her students to be more interactive. “In the morning, we have some time together that we learn, and then we break into centers and small groups so I have some time individually with all students,” she said. She says her favorite part about teaching is watching her students take pride in what they’re doing. “Just seeing them, that confidence being built and them being proud of themselves and seeing that for themselves,” she said. Essary will be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month Award. To vote for her or any of the other nominees, visit seehowitaddsup.com. To nominate a teacher for the WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.
