By Katie Northcott, News Director
Peterson Media Group extends congratulations to this week’s teachers of the week across all four radio stations: Melanie Banks (Thunder Radio), Gary Barfield (93.9 The Duck), Stephanie Hasty (The Rooster 101.5), and Liza Buchanan (Whiskey Country 105.1 & 95.9).
Teachers of the Week are recognized each Monday on Peterson Media Group’s radio station Facebook pages. Click here to nominate a teacher for Teacher of the Week.
Banks is a physical education and health teacher at East Coffee Elementary School. Here’s what the person who nominated her had to say:
“Dr. Banks teaches her core subject by making it so much fun. She searches for activities that are new and exciting. As she teaches, she also pulls in core classroom curriculum such as math, ELA, science, and social studies. She teaches more in a 40-minute class than I have ever witnessed by a physical educator.”
Barfield is a physical education teacher at East Middle School. Here’s what the person who nominated him had to say:
“Gary Barfield is the definition of what it means to make a lasting impact on students and a community. As a Physical Education teacher at East Middle School, Coach Barfield creates an environment where every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to be their best. His positive attitude, patience, and ability to build meaningful relationships with students make him someone they look forward to seeing every day. Beyond the classroom, Coach Barfield’s legacy speaks for itself. As a Hall of Fame softball coach at Tullahoma High School, he has spent countless years mentoring young athletes, teaching them far more than the game of softball. His commitment to excellence, integrity, teamwork, and character has helped shape generations of student-athletes who continue to carry those lessons throughout their lives. Coach Barfield is respected by students, parents, colleagues, and the entire community because he leads with humility, compassion, and consistency. Whether he’s teaching a PE class, encouraging a struggling student, or mentoring athletes on and off the field, he does everything with genuine care and a servant’s heart. His influence extends well beyond wins and championships. He has built a legacy of developing confident young people, inspiring others through his work ethic, and representing our schools with pride and class. Coach Gary Barfield is an outstanding educator, an exceptional coach, and a true role model who is more than deserving of being recognized as Teacher of the Week.”
Hasty is a geometry teacher at Coffee County Central High School. Here’s what the person who nominated her had to say:
“I am proud to nominate Stephanie Hasty because of her exceptional dedication to student success and engagement. Inside the classroom, Mrs. Hasty brings learning to life by making challenging concepts easy to understand and consistently keeping students excited about the material. Beyond her excellent teaching methods, she creates an incredibly warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels valued, heard, and motivated to do their best. Her positive energy, endless patience, and unwavering encouragement make a big difference at CCCHS every day, and she truly embodies what it means to be an educator.”
Buchanan is a science teacher at Moore County High School. Here’s what the person who nominated her had to say:
“Mrs. Buchanan has a way of making every student feel capable of succeeding, no matter how challenging it may seem. She makes learning fun, encourages us to ask questions, and always takes the time to help when we need it. Her passion for teaching and the genuine care she shows her students make a lasting difference every single day. Moore County is lucky to have her.”
