Student Success Should Remain Focal Point Amid Shift in Department of Education Leadership

NASHVILLE — Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS) released the following statement after the Tennessee Department of Education announced Commissioner Penny Schwinn will be transitioning after four and a half years of service:

“During her tenure, Commissioner Schwinn helped lead Tennessee students and educators through vast upheaval during the pandemic, guiding the safe reopening of schools, the maintenance of accountability for student outcomes, and the protection of assessments to have confidence in the learning trajectory of students. She additionally oversaw historic moments for our state in teacher apprenticeships, school funding levels and models, and educator pay raises,” said TSS President and CEO Adam Lister. “As we thank Commissioner Schwinn and welcome Lizzette Reynolds, cementing and building on these accomplishments will remain essential to keeping Tennessee as a top state for education – always keeping the success of our students as the focal point.”

Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds will succeed Schwinn in July.

Tennesseans for Student Success is a statewide network of parents and caregivers, teachers, community leaders, volunteers, and advocates dedicated to championing and supporting Tennessee’s students and their futures.