Educator of the Week: Shakayla Collins

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

Shakayla Collins is a 3rd grade reading and social studies teacher at Andrew Jackson Elementary School.

She shares how at a young age, she was inspired by many of her own teachers.

“I am a product of Jackson-Madison County School System. So in the school system I encountered great teachers who inspired me to want to become a teacher.”

Collins has been teaching for five years.

She says she was originally working for West Tennessee Healthcare, but ultimately decided education was where she was meant to be.

“Yes, because I wasn’t always in the educational field, I decided to go back probably in the year of 2021 to obtain my Master’s from Union University. I just wanted to know if I could do something different because I had been working in the hospital for years through West Tennessee Healthcare and I decided to go back to school and I’ve been stuck teaching ever since then.”

Collins says teaching has been a dream come true for her and shares her gratitude.

She ends by sharing some words of wisdom for aspiring educators.

:My advice for future educators is that it is a challenging yet rewarding experience.”

Collins 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.