Strong leadership in education is rarely about a single defining moment. More often, it is built through years of service, relationships, and a steadfast commitment to students, staff, and community. For Shane Paschall, Superintendent of Paris Special School District (PSSD), the journey to district leadership has been shaped by experiences across nearly every level of
Eight Principles for Building a Strong Foundation in the Teaching Profession The first year of teaching is often described as one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in an educator’s career. New teachers quickly discover that success requires much more than content knowledge and lesson planning. It demands professionalism, adaptability, empathy, and an unwavering
How Do I Succeed as a First-Year Educator? Read Post »
Walk into almost any classroom in 2026 and you will find students who have grown up in a world filled with screens. Many children encounter digital devices before their second birthday, and screen exposure continues to increase throughout childhood and adolescence. Common Sense Media (2025) reports that children ages 5–8 average more than three hours
Cindy Lockett knows that high school graduation is only one piece of the educational puzzle. As the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director for Roane County Schools in Tennessee, Lockett has spent the past four years transforming how students prepare for life after the classroom. With over 18 years of dedicated experience in the CTE
Building Futures: CTE in East Tennessee with Cindy Lockett Read Post »
Every educator’s journey begins with a spark, but for some, the path leads right back to where it all started. As we navigate the ever-evolving world of teaching, the heart of the classroom remains the same: it is built on connection, community, and creativity. Meet Kayla Walls. The Calling: Growing Up in a Village With
The Full-Circle Educator: 10 Years of Love, Laughter, and Legacy Read Post »
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sOs0ydJ41pX7RG2B-kgmqf5se3l3epRHtJjxFGiSiE8/edit?usp=sharing Submitted by: TN Educator Collective
TN Educators On The Move Challenge Calendar Read Post »
Welcome to our Featured Educator Spotlight, where we celebrate the incredible teachers shaping the future of our community. This week, we are thrilled to highlight Hope Smith, a dedicated preschool educator whose passion for teaching spans both general and special education. From inspiring her students to conquer hard things to witnessing breakthrough moments in communication,
Brave, Strong, and Courageous: A Preschool Teacher’s Story Read Post »
When the final school bell rings for summer break, many people think about vacations, pool days, and time to recharge. But across Tennessee, another important mission quietly begins — making sure children continue to have access to nutritious meals even when school is out. Behind the scenes of Tennessee’s summer feeding programs are dedicated School
Feeding Tennessee Through the Summer: The School Nutrition Heroes Behind the Scenes Read Post »
Submitted by: TN Educator Collective
The Teacher Summer Recharge Checklist Read Post »
You hear the words that go unsaid,And speak the language of the heart,Where others see a wall instead,You find a place for hope to start. You guide the hands that gently trace,You break the world into smaller steps,You meet each barrier with grace,And wipe the tears that are sometimes wept. Through sensory storms and anxious
Special Education: The Guiding Light Read Post »