Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Cathy Whitehead

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — “You know as a teacher you’re making such a profound impact on so many student’s lives,” said Cathy Whitehead a 3rd grade teacher at West Chester Elementary School. Whitehead currently holds the state-wide Tennessee Teacher of the Year title.

“There’s so much change and there’s so many obstacles but if you’re focus is on your students and all the decisions you make and all the work you do is with them in mind — I think that makes the best teacher.”

Whitehead said teaching is a challenge but the relationships with her students make it fun and that keeps her coming back everyday.

“You know that for every life that you change in your classroom, that they are impacting their spheres of influence too. Just knowing that you have that kind of ability to change the world on kid at a time is the best feeling .”

Her favorite moments in the classroom are when her students are able to rise to meet the expectations that are set for them.

“I hope the kids aren’t watching this because my favorite part is when I get a kid who says they hate to read and then I catch him or her reading under their desk — That’s the best moment.”

Whitehead will now be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. Starting in April, to vote for her or any of the other nominees, visit seehowitaddsup.com.

To nominate a teacher for our weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.