Educator of the Week: Brandi Vestal

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

Brandi Vestal teaches four to five-year-olds at Nova Early Learning Center in Jackson.

She shares how at a young age she was inspired by one of her teachers.

“When I was in the third grade, it was a rough year for me. My parents divorced, and I had a very good teacher when I was in the third grade. And she really poured into me. And I saw that and I wanted to be that teacher for other students,” Vestal said.

Vestal has been teaching for seven years.

She says having a relationship with the parents is one of her favorite parts of teaching.

“And having a relationship with my parents is what I love the most. I have an open door when their kids leave,” Vestal said. “I don’t just, you know, ‘bye, here’s your child. Bye.’ We conversate at the door, and that warms my heart.”

She tells us a story of how one of her students went above and beyond.

“I have Hispanic students as well. Actually, one mom last night — he’s been with me two years, and he has learned to translate. He could not speak any English when he came to me, and now he can translate for other students.”

Vestal ends by telling us how teaching young kids can be so rewarding.

“Growth in Pre K is what I love to see because you see social, emotional growth. You see not only academics, but you see things. They come in, they’re shy. When they leave, you know, they’re talking up a storm,” said Vestal. “You, you can’t have a bad day in this career with this age group. You can come in and they’re going to tell you they love you and they hug on you, and that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Vestal 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.