Educator of the Week: John Crenshaw
It’s time now to recognize our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
John Crenshaw is a 5th grade social studies teacher at South Gibson County Middle School.
He says the inspiration behind his career choice goes back to his time as a student.
“I was influenced by a lot of the teachers I had in high school and things like that, a lot of my coaches, people like that, that were really, especially the history teachers that told it as a story and really kept me interested and things like that, and I try to model some of my teaching after that,” Crenshaw said.
Crenshaw has now been teaching for 26 years.
While speaking on his role, he described his favorite part of being an educator.
“The students, when their eyes light up and they get the concept and they finally understand something,” he said. “I really, I really like to see the old light bulb go off over their head, just about.”
Crenshaw also took a moment to explain his teaching style.
“I like to tell a story and I am, when I talk, I’m a little louder and things like that, so I get the attention and things like that.”
For future educators, Crenshaw shares a bit of advice.
“You’ve got to love it. You’ve got to go into it really wanting to make a difference and understand, you’re not gonna get rich with this, but you’re gonna get rich in other ways, and that is when you do have, you know, parents that recommend you for things like this, you see you’re doing some good some place.”
And on top of that, Crenshaw encourages a peaceful attitude.
“Be calm, be collected, and roll with the punches because, in education, every day is different.”
We asked Crenshaw how he feels to be named Educator of the Week.
“This is what motivates me to teach and keeps me wanting to teach, are these type of special things because, I know, because you’re here, I’ve made the difference in at least one student’s life and their parents have seen it and that’s why they nominated me and that just makes my heart full,” Crenshaw said.
Crenshaw is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.
To vote for him 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.
