Educator of the Week: Jim McCay

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

Jim McCay teaches contemporary issues and personal fitness at McNairy Central High School.

McCay didn’t didn’t start out in Tennessee, but began his career in Mississippi.

“I spent 28 years in Mississippi as a teacher and a coach,” McCay said. “I retired from there and Coach Frank called me in spring of 2020 to be the offensive coordinator here.”

McCay also acts as the assistant coach of the Bobcats football team. McCay tells us why choosing to coach has been rewarding.

“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been a good profession for me. I really enjoy the kids and really enjoy coaching. I’ve coached football, baseball, soccer, and one year of basketball,” said McCay.

He also shares his favorite part of teaching.

“It depends on the subject that you teach, I really enjoy the contemporary issues class. Teaching kids how to think for themselves on the field and in the classroom. I taught history for years and years and that’s what I majored in at Ole Miss, so I enjoy that aspect of it.”

McCay’s journey has always been about the students and finding ways to use his experience to lead them to become the best they can be.

“The younger you are, the closer to their age you are can be an eye opening experience. But the older you get, the easier it is to handle them.”

McCay 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.