Educator of the Week: Lauren Rich

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

Lauren Rich teaches 8th grade math at Milan Middle School. She tells us what made her decide to pursue a career in education.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher. Even through college, I was like, oh, maybe not. Maybe I’ll try something else. And it always comes back,” said Rich. “I had a teacher in high school. He was my AP calculus teacher. We called him Mr. Coach Henson. He’s still in the Gibson County Special School District, and he was the reason that I became a teacher.”

She shares what her favorite part of teaching is.

“The students, I’m here for them and them only. They are the reason that I keep going. Even on those hard days, the kids are the reason,” said Rich.

Rich was actually one of the first ever recipients of the Hope scholarship. She tells us how it helped her through college.

“I actually was one of the first classes that received the hope scholarship when it first came out. So I had that. It got me through Jackson State for my first couple years. So it helped me get through school and continued even when I went to UT Martin,” said Rich.

Rich ends by encouraging aspiring teachers to take the next step.

“As everyone has heard, education is hard. It’s a difficult spot to be in. But if you are called to it, please don’t give up. Just keep going. Keep pushing towards it because we need those good, strong teachers to help these students grow and become better every day,” said Rich.

She 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 weekly award, email us at wbbj-educator@gray-media.com.

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