Educator of the Week: Christian Coleman

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

Christian Coleman is a 7th Grade math teacher at Milan Middle School.

He originally wanted to pursue physical therapy, but grew to enjoy education.

“Being able to grow these students from where they were to what they are now, and getting to see them graduate high school now and go on and do further things, that kinda put the nail in the coffin for me, like ‘Hey, I’m doing the right thing, you know, I’m in the right place, doing the right things,'” Coleman said.

Coleman expresses his joy at getting to know students.

“My favorite part about teaching is getting to build the relationships with the children,” said Coleman.

Coleman shares that it’s a new challenge every day in middle school.

“Meeting them where they’re at, you know. They’re middle schoolers. They come in day after day. You never know what you’re gonna get attitude wise, you know. You don’t know whatever’s going on at home, but just meeting them where they’re at and just trying to get everything out of them that I can.”

Coleman also shares encouragement to anyone looking into a career in education.

“For future educators, I just say, don’t be afraid to take a chance. It’s never gonna be easy, but anything worth doing is never gonna be easy. Just take the risk, the kids need you more than ever. We need solid educators in the buildings, we need people that care about the students and want them to do well, so don’t ever be afraid to take that chance.”

Coleman was moved by his nomination.

“I’m blown away, I could not be any more grateful for the students, the staff,” he said. “They make coming to work very, very easy, so I’m very honored, I’m very thrilled. Can’t be any more excited.”

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

To vote for him 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.