Educator of the Week: Jessica Austin

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

Jessica Austin teaches 5th and 6th grade math at South Side Elementary School.

She shares what made her decide to become an educator.

“My mother is a teacher, and I have a long line of education in my family. They were a really big inspiration to me to become a teacher. I really enjoy being around the kids, and I really have a passion for the youth and being involved in the school,” said Austin.

Austin has been teaching for 15 years. She tells us how the Hope Scholarship helped her follow her dreams.

“I think the Hope Scholarship is really important. I actually received the Hope Scholarship when I was going through school, and so that was a big help to me, and I’m glad that it can help some of my students as well,” said Austin.

Austin shares what her favorite part of teaching is.

“The reward from from seeing their success and being able to interact with the kids and have a good time with them and also make learning fun,” said Austin.

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

“If that’s something that you feel passionate about and you feel led, that that’s your calling, then I believe that that’s what you need to pursue because that’s what I did. It was definitely a calling from the Lord,” said Austin.

Austin 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 wbbj-educator@graymedia.com.

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