Inside TNSuccess

TSS Staff Updates, New Postsecondary Initiative and More!

We are excited to announce the addition of two new staff members. Also, Knox County is providing students with additional postsecondary supports.  If you haven’t signed up for Tristar Reads yet, there’s still time! Keep reading for more updates and information about some exciting events this summer.


New Staff Added to Promote Greater Student Success

Last week, we announced the addition of two new staff members and an advancement of the Tennesseans for Student Success’ statewide outreach efforts to accelerate and expand the organization’s work in promoting greater student success across Tennessee.

Susan Martin, a former three-term member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, is the Tennesseans for Student Success’ new Director of Government Relations. Former deputy communications director for the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, Lani Short, has joined the organization as its new Communications Director.

In addition to these staff announcements, we are strategically focused on maximizing our grassroots and outreach efforts within the state through a more focused engagement on our field team to have maximum impact on student outcomes and success. 

Click here to read more.

Be a Superhero With Your Words

Superheroes are often known by not only the capes they wear, but the positive words they share with others. Many superheroes are recognized by their voices or slogans. It’s important that when we use our voices, we use our superhero powers to speak encouraging and impactful words to others. Students at Doak Elementary School use their superhero powers to read every day. Watch his special reading of Fly Guy’s Big Family now!

Make your words count this summer and log your hours with Tristar Reads. Students in grades K-12 are eligible and will be entered for the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship! It’s not too late to sign up! 

Don’t miss out on important reminders and the weekly Superhero Challenge. Sign up for our weekly Tristar Reads email!

Sign Up for More Info!


New Postsecondary Initiative to Boost Student Success

On behalf of the Haslam Family Foundation, Jim Haslam, together with several partnering organizations, announced a special investment of $6.2 million over three years to support a new postsecondary initiative, Knox Promise

Knox Promise is a new community-based, comprehensive approach to help more Tennessee Promise students in Knox County graduate from college by providing additional financial support and coaching. 

At Tennesseans for Student Success, we applaud the efforts of K-12 and postsecondary organizations for coming together to boost economic prosperity and success for all of Tennessee’s students. 


Get Involved!

RSVP for Our Education Advocacy and Leadership Summits!

Do you want to learn how to be an advocate for Tennessee’s Students? Click below for more details and to register for one of our TWO FREE Summits this month. Spots are filling up fast so RSVP now!

July 15th in Knoxville
July 22nd in Nashville 

Press Releases

Tennesseans for Student Success Launches Indepe...

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NASHVILLE — Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS) is excited to announce the launch of this year’s Quality Charter Review TSS created the review last year to provide a first-of-its-kind... more
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Press Releases

Tennessee Senate Applauded for Supporting Fair ...

Thu

Feb

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NASHVILLE — Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS) released the following statement in support of the State Senate’s passage of legislation designed to ensure public charter school... more
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Press Releases

Tennesseans for Student Success Announces Leade...

Thu

Jan

25

NASHVILLE — Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS) is proud to announce the appointment of Lana Skelo Gardner as President and CEO, effective May 1, 2024 This transition follows the close of... more
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