Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Amy Orr

GLEASON, Tenn. — Amy Orr teaches reading and history at Gleason School — the first and only school she has been teaching at for 26 years.

“I think that my responsibility goes beyond these walls, beyond my classroom,” Orr said. “I hope that what they are learning in the classroom they can take with them in life.”

Growing up, she attended Gleason and says it was her teachers here that inspired her to pursue education. “I think the way they treated me daily, always treating me fairly, and we had fun activities while we were learning.”

“I love this school and love this community and just felt that this was a way I could give back.”

Orr said it’s rewarding to watch her students reach beyond their expectations and that she takes pride in knowing she is shaping their future.

“You prepare your students the best you can every day, and you just hope they perform their best in everything they do.”

She admits there are challenges but says that being a good educator means staying flexible.

“You have to be patient and you have to be positive. You have to have a positive attitude,” she said. “You have to be flexible because there are changes in education, as we know.”

Orr will now be entered into the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. Starting in March, to vote for her or any of the other nominees visit seehowitaddsup.com.

To nominate a teacher for our weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.