Educator of the Week: Mitzi Mitchell

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

Mitzi Mitchell teaches 4th grade Reading and Language Arts at Bethel Springs Elementary.

She shares how her grandmother inspired her at a young age to pursue education.

“My grandmother was a teacher back in the 1940s. And growing up, I always played school outside in a shed with my brother and sister. So I just always wanted to be a teacher,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has been teaching for 38 years. She tells us her favorite part.

“Probably the writing,” said Mitchell. “We’re doing the ‘Wizard of Oz’ right now, and the kids love it, and it’s something that they can relate to. I think the writing part.”

She says teaching can be a very rewarding job.

Mitchell shares how past students have shown their love for her class many years later.

“I’ve had a lot of moments, and it’s been when a child or a group of children came to me and said I was the best teacher they ever had, and that they learned a lot in my classroom and they wish they were back in it.”

Mitchell offers some words or wisdom for aspiring educators.

“Make sure you have a love for learning. Make sure you love children because this is a time that’s totally different than the time I began teaching. You’ve just got to be devoted.”

Mitchell 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.