Watson gives in to teaching

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

WATSON

He knew in his heart he was meant for the teaching profession, but it took several years after earning his degree in education for Warren County Middle School teacher Jeff Watson to acknowledge his true calling.

“I fought it as long as I could. I had thought teaching was a waste of time and I didn’t want to be broke. I knew what I was supposed to be and once I let go I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education chemistry from Tennessee Tech. After graduation he found a temporary job teaching skills for success at Upperman High School. With no permanent job prospects there, he soon accepted a position as a home counselor for troubled children. When that company folded four years later he was again looking for a job when his eyes turned to the classroom.

Watson soon found a job at Cannon County High School teaching biology and chemistry. After three months, however, a science and coaching position opened up at the local middle school. Being a Warren County native and a sports enthusiast, he jumped at the opportunity to return home and coach.

Seventh-grade life science was the first subject he taught his first year at the middle school, but the next year he was transferred to sixth-grade earth science, where he remains this year.

Asked if he preferred older or younger students, Watson said without a doubt he preferred the latter, especially sixth-grade students. “They’re so sweet and fun. They like to do stuff and they’re not so old they think all my stuff’s corny. They make work exciting everyday,” he said.

After three years at the middle school, where he often spends 12 hours a day, he said he is exactly where he wants to be. “The good Lord has a purpose for all of us and this is my purpose. I know I’ll be poor all my life, but I wake up happy. Don’t get me wrong, I still leave with a headache some days, but I sure do love it. It’s what I’m supposed to do.”

In addition to his teaching duties, Watson also serves as the middle school’s wrestling coach and head football coach.

In what little free time he has, he enjoys spending time with his family, including wife, Christie, and step-daughter, Bliss. He also coaches Jaycee basketball and attends First Baptist Church.