Educator of the Week: Deborah McLean

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

Deborah McLean is a Pre-K through 6th grade music and art teacher at Alamo City School.

McLean babysat for years as a teenager and worked with children throughout high school and college, leading to her career in education.

“I would do summer school activities with children, the migrant program that was popular in the 70s, and so I’ve always been involved with children at church and at school,” McLean said.

This is now McLean’s 48th year teaching. She shares her favorite part of being an educator.

“When the light bulb goes off and they actually do remember the instruments of the orchestra or the composers, or they’re excited about our study abroad way or about a holiday program,” she said.

McLean then explained her teaching style.

“I try to get the room decorated in a way that might excite them, we use puppets, lots of instruments, art, puzzles, Play-Doh, a lot of techniques that are fun for them and fun for me too.”

McLean encourages parents to consider a job in education.

“It’s great if you have a family. I don’t have my own children, that’s one reason I love these kids, these are my kids, but it’s a great job for parents, for mothers, because they can spend the summer with their children, they’ve got the same hours as their children.”

Lastly, McLean expresses gratitude for her career.

“Children are, you know, they’re just so open and ready, excited about anything and it’s just an exciting way to spend your day. You got to get paid for something, you might as well do something that you love, and I know everybody doesn’t have the chance to do that,” she said. “I’m very fortunate.”

McLean 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.