From the Banking Business to the Life Changing Business

Jeremy Law, a special education teacher and football coach at Cherokee High School, coaches a player on the sideline.

Jeremy Law didn’t always know he wanted to teach. His long road to the classroom began with a degree in business and 13 years in the banking industry.

“I had long felt a strong calling to teach because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people and also have the opportunity to coach,” said Law. “My wife finally said — ‘I’m tired of hearing you talk about it. Let’s make it work so you can do what you feel called to do.’”

At the time Law wanted to enter education, there was no shortage of teachers in Cherokee County. But the lack of job openings — coupled with the fact that he didn’t have an education degree — didn’t deter him.

A graduate of Etowah High School, Law eventually earned his master’s degree in special education and a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction and has since worked at four different schools. He has been a special education teacher for the past 11 years. Five years ago, he joined the faculty at Cherokee High School, where he coaches football and girl’s golf.

Law said that, for him, the best part of teaching is when he sees a student overcome an obstacle and succeed against the odds.

“To see lives changed because someone really believed in them and to see kids become citizens in the community, that makes you proud,” said Law. “That’s what I aim for each day.”

Law’s top teaching recommendation? Teach to the heart over teaching to the subject.

“When I make a kid’s heart and soul my focal point, the subject matter comes naturally,” said Law. “Once they know I care for them and am concerned for their wellbeing, then they will listen to me. But if I do it the other way and just focus on my content, the likelihood of them listening to me will be frustrating for them and for me as a teacher.”

Coach Law has received many awards during his career including Cherokee County School District’s Teacher of the Year in 2016. He also received the 2021 Teacher Hero Award from Grace Ed Technologies.

“We can give a kid an education, but it will only get them so far,” said Law. “However, we can give a kid hope and it will last a lifetime.” n