Tennessee Educator Collective
The Tennessee Educator Collective is a collaborative space created for educators across the state-teachers, administrators, support staff, and education advocates-to connect, share, and grow together.
We believe the most powerful ideas in education come from the people who live it every day. This collective was built to amplify those voices, create meaningful connection, and support the work happening in classrooms, schools, district offices, and communities across Tennessee.
Our Purpose
We exist to:
Amplify Educator Voice
create opportunities for educators to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives in ways that inform, inspire, and influence the broader educational community.
Create Space for Collaboration
provide a supportive environment where educators can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and grow through meaningful professional dialogue.
Strengthen Connection
foster authentic connection across schools, roles, and districts to build a stronger, more unified community of educators across Tennessee.
What You’ll Find Here
The TN Educator Collective is more than a website-it’s a growing community. Here you can:
- Share writing, reflections, and classroom stories
- Engage in professional conversations and forums
- Access educator-submitted resources and ideas
- Connect with others who understand your work and passion
- Find an engaging space created by educators, for educators
Who It’s For
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, interventionist, counselor, support staff, or district administrator, you have a place here. If you care about education in Tennessee, you belong in this space.
Our Vision
We envision a connected network of educators across Tennessee who feel heard, supported, and empowered-working together to strengthen learning experiences for all students.
Meet the Founders
The TN Educator Collective was founded by two experienced educators who bring a shared passion for connection, innovation, and elevating the voices of those working in education. They created this space to bring educators across Tennessee together-to learn from one another, support one another, and grow together.
Jessica Rittenhouse, EdD
Creator and Developer
Jessica brings experience across multiple educational settings, having served as a teacher in an urban school and later as an assistant principal and principal in a rural district. She completed the Governor’s Academy for School Leaders through the Department of Education in partnership with Vanderbilt University, and earned her Doctorate from Lincoln Memorial University. She has had the privilege of working with and for some of the best educators in Tennessee. Currently, she is raising her young son while continuing to stay actively engaged in education through research, collaboration, and ongoing contributions to the field.
Alisha Thompson, EdS
Content Specialist
Alisha is a veteran educator with over 25 years of experience, including roles as classroom teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal, and now principal in a rural school district. Known for her innovative thinking and strong problem-solving skills, she serves as a content leader within the collective. She is deeply grounded in the belief that “all kids are our kids,” a mindset that guides both her leadership and her commitment to supporting educators across Tennessee.