Educator of the Week: Teresa Bunch

It’s time now to recognize this week’s Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Teresa Bunch is a 1st grade teacher at Rose Hill School in Jackson.

One of her favorite parts of being an educator is watching her students learn.

“Helping them to build and understand for the next level, and see that growth in between that, it’s just wonderful,” Bunch said.

Bunch teaches through real life examples.

“Telling them stories about stuff that I read and what my teachers taught me in the past and what I’ve learned, it helps them to build and understand better of what I’m trying to approach and teach them as well,” said Bunch.

As a little girl, Bunch loved to play dolls with her sisters and cousins. That started building an enjoyment of teaching and a desire to help others.

Bunch has now been teaching for 24 years.

“I love teaching. I love coming to school everyday. I try to create an environment in the classroom where children want to come to school, not have to come,” she said.

Bunch also appreciates when former students recognize her.

“What I really like is, is when they move on to the next level, and they come back and they hug me and let me know that they were appreciative and that they do miss me even though they’ve moved on.”

Bunch shared her gratefulness for the Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship, which helped her two daughters through college.

For future educators, she offers some advice.

“Stay positive. Stay focused. You gotta have patience. Be involved. Love what you do. Put the children first, safety first. Make your environment in your classroom very conducive to learning.”

Bunch says she’s thankful for supportive administrators and colleagues.

“It’s a home away from home. Not only just a professional, but it’s loving and it’s caring here at Rose Hill, and I enjoy teaching here.”

Finally, Bunch expressed gratefulness for being chosen as Educator of the Week.

“Very appreciative. Words cannot express,” she said. “Priceless, yes priceless.”

Bunch is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.