Kaitlyn Byrge is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week

By Charlotte Underwood

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- Educators make a difference in students’ lives every day. For many students, having a school employee who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that teacher, or school employee who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hardworking educators with a weekly feature.

Kaitlyn Byrge is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the Week. She currently teaches 1^st grade at Jacksboro Elementary School.

Byrge was raised here in Campbell County and attended Jacksboro Elementary, Jacksboro Middle, and Campbell County High Schools. She graduated in May 2024 from Tennessee Tech University with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.

“When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and playing the piano at church. I got married almost a year and a half ago to my wonderful husband Brennon. My husband and my parents have truly supported me every step of the way, and continue to do so today, and I am so thankful for them,” Byrge said.

She loves teaching 1st grade at Jacksboro Elementary School and is in her is third year teaching!

“I am part of a wonderful team in first grade that I’m so thankful for! Jacksboro Elementary School is truly like a family! I work with such talented educators and an amazing and supportive admin team! There is something so special about teaching at the school I grew up in, and I feel so blessed to be a teacher at JES!” Byrge said.

 She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher.

“My mom instilled a love of learning in me long before I ever stepped foot inside a classroom. Some of my sweetest childhood memories are of playing “school” with her every day while my brother was away at school. She would teach me, and then I would turn right around and teach her everything I had learned. Looking back, I realize those little moments helped shape the teacher I am today.

Now, I get to experience that same kind of joy all over again as I play “school” with my 3-year-old niece, Charlotte. It makes my heart so happy to share something that has always meant so much to me, with her. I hope she grows up with the same excitement and love for learning that I had as a little girl,” Byrge said.

She feels that God directed her towards her career.

My faith is the most important aspect of my life. I prayed for the career I have and the life I am living today, and I feel so blessed God placed me in the position I am in now. Nothing is more rewarding than teaching and making a difference in a child’s life,” Byrge said.

She also had “so many wonderful teachers growing up that fueled her love for learning and inspired her to dream big and achieve her goals!”

“I had the privilege of doing my student teaching with Mrs. Rhonda Green. In the year I spent with her in her 2nd grade class, she taught me such valuable lessons and things that I carry with me as a teacher today,” Byrge said.

Her favorite part of being a teacher, “is getting to have an impact on a student not only academically and seeing them light up when they master a new skill, but also emotionally.”

“Making sure they are listened to, encouraged, and most importantly that they feel loved every time they enter my classroom.  Most of all, I feel so grateful to have the privilege of teaching the sweetest, most wonderful students each day!” Byrge said.

Every Thursday, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood features the WLAF – Eagle Tire Pros Teacher of the Week. That educator also receives a free oil change from Eagle Tire Pros. To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/12/2026-6AM)