FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. — Cosmetology is the calling for one Tennessee Valley teacher. His passion translates into the classroom to help mold future beauticians.
We get to meet this week’s FOX54 Top Teacher from Fayetteville High School, Brian Gulley!
Gulley has taught the cosmetology program at Fayetteville High School for 13 years. His class started off with just 10 students to now 98 students, with seven classes a day.
“The program has really grown over the years,” said Gulley.
“It's about relationships. And so I know each student and I know how that I can interact with that student. That's very important because if you don't have that relationship with that particular student, then you lose them,” he added.
Gulley’s love for cosmetology started within the family. “My sister went to school for it [cosmetology] and I wanted to do it then.”
“It was just the passion of people, relationships, and things like that -that drew me to it over the years,” he said.
Gulley’s still operating his own salon, sharing the tricks of the trade with his students, and they love him.
"It’s his energy,” said Krisyia Dye.
“I like to learning how to do hair and nails," said Khalia Whitaker.
And I just like the bond Mr. Gulley has with all of us,” added Talaejah Conley
“You actually learn about something that you can actually use in the real world. There's a lot of people that like to get their hair and their nails done, their makeup and all of this,” said Alayah Conley.
Gulley’s principal believes the students will be well-prepared for the real world.
“Once they leave us, he also keeps up with them and makes sure that they have whatever they need, as they go further in their college cosmetology career,” said Principal Spencer Perrin
“I love my job. I love what I do. I love the people that I work with and I love the support that we get from our system.”
Do you know a great teacher who deserves some special recognition? Click here to nominate them as a FOX54 Top Teacher!