Educator of the Week: Raven Powell

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

Raven Powell is a 6th grade ELA teacher at Crockett County Middle School.

Powell was first inspired to pursue a career in education when she volunteered at her son’s school and loved it.

“My son’s teacher, the school in which I volunteered at, she encouraged me,” Powell said. “So I was just a parent volunteer and she encouraged me, because I was volunteering so much, to give it a try and I realize that was one of the best decisions that I’ve made.”

This is now Powell’s 14th year teaching.

“Be very transparent and authentic. To me, that is the best way to reach students when they see that you are just as human as they are. We’re all the same in so many different ways. My transparency really helped me reach a lot of students. Being authentic really helps me reach a lot of students and, in turn, they share a lot of things with me that they probably would not have shared if I wasn’t as authentic and genuine,” she shared.

Powell shares how the Hope Scholarship gives students an opportunity to excel.

“Give them an opportunity to go to college and pursue whatever career it is that they would want to have, and we are getting them prepared for that. I mean, being an ELA teacher, that’s what we’re doing. We’re getting students prepared to be able to receive that scholarship.”

For future educators, Powell highlights the impact teachers have on students.

“You have to know your why. There are going to be times when things are very challenging, but I love the students. If the students are what you’re here for, nothing else matters. Nothing else matters to the extent of the effect that you’ll have on the children in the long run. That lasts a lifetime.”

Powell 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.