Educator of the Week: Melissa Watkins

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

Melissa Watkins is a high school biology and chemistry teacher at Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School.

She also teaches dual enrollment biology classes for Bethel University.

Watkins says she was inspired by her favorite teacher in high school, Michelle Leonard.

“She disciplined with humor and she made things fun,” Watkins said. “We got to do labs and she was just really always excited about the content.”

This is now Watkins’ 14th year teaching.

Watkins has a hands-on approach to teaching, encouraging students to interact with class material.

“I try to spend not as much time talking and more time letting them explore the information and work with it in an activity or a lab,” she said.

As a high school teacher, Watkins shares her appreciation for the Hope Scholarship.

“We have a lot of kids who probably wouldn’t further their education if it wasn’t for the Hope Scholarship, but, regardless of their path, they can still go on and make sure financially they’re taken care of.”

Watkins offers advice for those pursuing a career in education.

“Find your age group, your content that you’re passionate about, and don’t let people tell you not to be a teacher because it really is, like, there are days I wake up and I think ‘I can’t believe somebody pays me to do this’ because I have so much fun and I love the kids.”

Watkins also reminds future educators of the importance of relationship.

“It really is true that the kids don’t care what you know till they know how much you care. Build that relationship with your kids and just have fun.”

Watkins 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.