Michelle Yates

   My name is Michelle Yates, and I have been teaching at Sewanee Elementary School in Sewanee, TN for twenty-two years.  I have two children.  My daughter, Cadence Dawson is a speech/language pathologist for the Franklin County School District.  My son-in-law, Rusty Dawson is the Assistant Principal at South Middle School.  My son, Chayton Whaley works for Complexly, an online production and educational video company founded by brothers, John and Hank Green. He is the video editor for two shows, "Bizarre Beasts" and "Journey to the Microcosmos."  His fiance, Rachel Hood, is a nurse at Erlanger in Chattanooga.  I am so proud of my children! 

   I fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a teacher when I returned to school after my children were born.  I attended Motlow State Community College in Tullahoma, TN and earned an Associate of Science degree in 2000. Then, I transferred to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2002 in Early Childhood education. In 2006 I furthered my education by earning a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from MTSU. In 2018 I obtained my Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

    In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, listening to music, and watching sports.  I am a Nashville Predators fan but I also love to watch Atlanta Braves baseball with my husband.  My husband and I like listening to music together and going to shows/concerts.  Our favorite venue is the Ryman Auditorium!