Teachers here at Central High School strive to help students learn to the best of their abilities. One of Central’s many new teachers is exceptional education teacher Mr. Kelly Hardeman.

It is his first year here at Central, but it is his 17th year teaching. Before teaching at Central he taught at many other high schools including Brainerd High School.  Although he has been teaching for a long time, he was not always a teacher. At the age of 30, he went back to school to get a degree in organizational management at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. While studying to get his Bachelor’s degree he worked a job waiting tables for money. Once he received his degree, he went on to do what he loves.

Being a teacher, to Hardeman, is helping students learn subjects that can help students be effective in the real world. He is very prideful in his work and loves what he does. When a student strives and succeeds in school it makes Hardeman feel satisfied and amazing. On the other hand, when a student doesn’t try it, makes him rather frustrated. He is big on respect in the classroom, but he understands patience is key.

“If you show me respect, I will show you respect,” exclaimed Hardeman when discussing his favorite part about being a teacher.

He loves to watch students grow up and become successful in their lives. It makes him feel accomplished when students come back after graduating to give thanks.

“I love to see graduated students come back and visit me,” stated Hardeman

Outside of school, Hardeman has a loving family including his wife and 3 kids. His son who is the oldest has a newborn baby and his two other daughters are studying in school. His second oldest is a senior at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. His youngest is a freshman at East Hamilton High school.

In his free time, he finds joy in watching the Tennessee Volunteers football games and hanging out with friends. In all, Hardeman is a caring person who loves his line of work and putting a smile on everyone’s face.