| Sources |
- [S80] Rawlings Funeral Home, (http://www.rawlingsfuneralhome.com/), 13 May 2006.
Daniel Fred Walker obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 20 Dec 2011.
Being an educator was always Whaley's goal
by RACHEL OSBORN
Mitchell Whaley has taught senior English at Pigeon Forge High School since 2003. His teachers at SCHS, where he graduated from in 1997, inspired him to take up the profession.
PIGEON FORGE — During his senior year at Sevier County High School, Mitchell Whaley learned exactly what career would be perfect for him — high school English teacher.
The 12th-grade teacher at Pigeon Forge High School grew up in Sevier County, graduating from SCHS in 1997. Though Whaley enjoyed his time at the school, he definitely had favorite classes.
"In high school I really enjoyed my English classes and teachers," Whaley said. "My senior English teacher was a great teacher. He made English fun and exciting. I enjoyed the texts we read in his class; they were British literature.
"I think that's what made me go (on this) route. (He) definitely made me pursue English. I watched him have a great time teaching. I thought that was something I'd like to do."
After his high school graduation, Whaley enrolled at the University of Tennessee — obtaining a B.A. in English in 2002. He received a Masters in English Education in 2003 from the same university.
"I never wavered in college about switching my major," Whaley said. "I went right into education and English. My mom said that I wanted to be a teacher when I was 3, but I don't remember that."
Whaley began teaching at PFHS in 2003, following an internship at Alcoa High School.
"I've been here ever since," he said. "It's gone by pretty quickly.
"It's great place to work. I have great co-workers I enjoy collaborating with. We have a great administration and great kids."
Whaley teaches British literature to about 55 students in three separate classes — two college prep courses and one honors period.
He admits that these students constantly keep him busy. Last Friday, one of his afternoon classes covered his desk in fluffy, bright-colored stuffed animals. Leaving these toys scattered around was an intentional joke. The students know cats are Whaley's least favorite animal.
"There's never a dull moment when you work with teenagers," he laughed. "They keep me on my toes."
It's always been rewarding though.
"The best part of this job is watching a student reach his or her potential and succeed," Whaley said. "When a student learns a new concept or skill and is able to apply it, that's the best part."
Whaley likes to continue his education as well. In 2007 he earned a Ed.S. degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
"I love to learn," he said. "I guess you could call me a life-long learner."
When he's not teaching, Whaley likes to read anything by Brad Thor, Dan Brown, James Patterson or John Grisham and spend time with his family — wife Stephanie and 11-month-old daughter Raelyn.
"I love this community," he said. "It's where I wanted to raise my children."
rosborn@themountainpress.com
© themountainpress.com 2011print
Being an educator was always Whaley's goal
by RACHEL OSBORN
12.20.11 - 12:08 am
Mitchell Whaley has taught senior English at Pigeon Forge High School since 2003. His teachers at SCHS, where he graduated from in 1997, inspired him to take up the profession.
PIGEON FORGE — During his senior year at Sevier County High School, Mitchell Whaley learned exactly what career would be perfect for him — high school English teacher.
The 12th-grade teacher at Pigeon Forge High School grew up in Sevier County, graduating from SCHS in 1997. Though Whaley enjoyed his time at the school, he definitely had favorite classes.
"In high school I really enjoyed my English classes and teachers," Whaley said. "My senior English teacher was a great teacher. He made English fun and exciting. I enjoyed the texts we read in his class; they were British literature.
"I think that's what made me go (on this) route. (He) definitely made me pursue English. I watched him have a great time teaching. I thought that was something I'd like to do."
After his high school graduation, Whaley enrolled at the University of Tennessee — obtaining a B.A. in English in 2002. He received a Masters in English Education in 2003 from the same university.
"I never wavered in college about switching my major," Whaley said. "I went right into education and English. My mom said that I wanted to be a teacher when I was 3, but I don't remember that."
Whaley began teaching at PFHS in 2003, following an internship at Alcoa High School.
"I've been here ever since," he said. "It's gone by pretty quickly.
"It's great place to work. I have great co-workers I enjoy collaborating with. We have a great administration and great kids."
Whaley teaches British literature to about 55 students in three separate classes — two college prep courses and one honors period.
He admits that these students constantly keep him busy. Last Friday, one of his afternoon classes covered his desk in fluffy, bright-colored stuffed animals. Leaving these toys scattered around was an intentional joke. The students know cats are Whaley's least favorite animal.
"There's never a dull moment when you work with teenagers," he laughed. "They keep me on my toes."
It's always been rewarding though.
"The best part of this job is watching a student reach his or her potential and succeed," Whaley said. "When a student learns a new concept or skill and is able to apply it, that's the best part."
Whaley likes to continue his education as well. In 2007 he earned a Ed.S. degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
"I love to learn," he said. "I guess you could call me a life-long learner."
When he's not teaching, Whaley likes to read anything by Brad Thor, Dan Brown, James Patterson or John Grisham and spend time with his family — wife Stephanie and 11-month-old daughter Raelyn.
"I love this community," he said. "It's where I wanted to raise my children."
rosborn@themountainpress.com
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
WHALEY, JAMES EDWARD WALKER, BRENDA SUE 1971-07-17
- [S126] The Official Marriage Records of Sevier County Tennessee 1945-1971, Volume III, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, (Copyright 2008), ISBN 1-890150-00-5.
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
Groom's Name Bride's First Name Bride's Maiden Name County Date of Marriage File #
WHALEY MITCHELL R STEPHANIE DOUCETTE KNOX 04-02-2005 09837
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