Blount County Schools honors teacher John Covey for statewide dual-credit success

The Blount County Schools Board on Tuesday recognized John Covey, a business teacher at Eagleton College and Career Academy, for leading his students to the highest pass rate in Tennessee on the state dual-credit business exam.

Director Ridge called Covey to the podium and recounted that Covey was one of the school’s foundational hires five years ago, helped launch the math and business programs, coaches robotics, serves as the work-based learning coordinator and helps produce the school’s live athletic broadcasts. Ridge said Covey’s students achieved a 64% pass rate on the state dual-credit business exam compared with a 12% statewide average.

Covey told the board he anchors his course on three principles and relies on students’ willingness to learn. “If somebody’s willing to do those 3 things, I can teach them anything in the world,” he said. He described a nontraditional career path that included small-business ownership, prison-ministry work and service as a national park ranger and said his work is focused on students: “At the end of the day, this recognition is really about the kids.”

Ridge and board members highlighted that more than 90% of students who completed the dual-credit business course are currently enrolled in college, and they praised Covey for building life-ready skills through classroom instruction and local business placements.

The board presented the recognition and showed a short video highlighting Covey’s classroom and program work. No formal action was required for the recognition; it was presented as a ceremonial agenda item.