Our Policy Work Championing Higher Standards Helping students reach their full potential. Fair and Quality Learning Measurements Quality assessments that show the path to improvement. Transparent Reporting to build trust Holding stakeholders accountable to ensure student success. Innovating in education Keeping the focus on growing student opportunities. Workforce Readiness Preparing students for the real world — and a successful future.
Initiatives Tristar Reads Scholarship program to encourage summer reading. Teachers for Student Success Empowering teachers to advocate for stronger schools. Tennesseans for Students Success Action Putting education at the forefront of political campaigns. Quality Charter Review Expert analysis of proposed public charter schools. TN SuccessCard How TN leaders are voting on education legislation. 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Tracker The latest from the 2026 campaign trail.
Impact Impact Report What we’ve accomplished, and how.
Who We Are Our Team Strategic problem-solvers eager to help Tennessee students.
Our Policy Work Championing Higher Standards Helping students reach their full potential. Fair and Quality Learning Measurements Quality assessments that show the path to improvement. Transparent Reporting to build trust Holding stakeholders accountable to ensure student success. Innovating in education Keeping the focus on growing student opportunities. Workforce Readiness Preparing students for the real world — and a successful future.
Initiatives Tristar Reads Scholarship program to encourage summer reading. Teachers for Student Success Empowering teachers to advocate for stronger schools. Tennesseans for Students Success Action Putting education at the forefront of political campaigns. Quality Charter Review Expert analysis of proposed public charter schools. TN SuccessCard How TN leaders are voting on education legislation. 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Tracker The latest from the 2026 campaign trail.
Impact Impact Report What we’ve accomplished, and how.
Who We Are Our Team Strategic problem-solvers eager to help Tennessee students.
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Teachers for Student Success

Providing educators with an avenue to learn about policy and amplify their voice through advocacy is crucially important to Tennesseans for Student Success’s mission of championing high-quality educational opportunities and working to ensure every Tennessee student has access to a great public education.

This program connects and empowers teachers across the state to advocate for stronger schools for Tennessee students. Our paid year-long advocacy and impact program supports and trains teachers across Tennessee.

Five people standing in a library with bookshelves in the background, smiling at the camera.

Meet the Teacher Leader Cohorts

Join us in congratulating the following members of the 2025 Teachers for Student Success Cohort:

Mrs. Kathleen Bray Rice – Compass Community Charter School Hickory Hill
Dr. Trent McManus – Chester County High School
Ms. Cynthia Brewer – Rozelle Arts Magnet Elementary
Mrs. Jody Hatler – Martin Middle School
Ms. Arika Spivey – Macon County Jr. High School
Mrs. Marty LeBlanc – Lincoln County High School
Mrs. Wendy Williams – Cascade High School
Ms. Heather Gates – Cookeville High School
Dr. Sheree Wheat –Tyner Magnet Middle School
Dr. Emily Astor – Samuel Everett School of Innovation
Ms. Elizabeth Evans –Norwood Elementary
Ms. Leah Murray – Surgoinsville Elementary

 

Contact Meredith McGann at meredith@tnsuccess.org to learn when you can apply for the next cohort or to discuss partnership opportunities.

A group of people stands in a conference room, smiling at the camera. A table with food containers and drinks is in the foreground.

Past Cohorts

2024 Teachers for Student Success Cohort:

 

  • Dana Christian, Hollow Rock-Bruceton School District
  • Megan Cohan, Emerald Academy Knoxville
  • Brandon Crouch, Fentress County Schools
  • Greg Hayworth, Grainger County Schools
  • Keturah Kirby, Rocketship Northeast Nashville
  • Melissa LaFollette, Maryville City Schools
  • Ivy Miller, Rutherford County Schools
  • Paige Pope, Bradley County Schools
  • Carla Smith, Leadership Academy Memphis
  • Jillian Sutton, Chattanooga Prep
  • Sherrie Wilson, McNairy County Schools
  • Josef Woody, Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Stay Informed

Be among the first to know about policy considerations, news, political implications, and advocacy opportunities that impact the future of Tennessee kids.

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Take Action for Tennessee Kids

Visit our TSS Action Network for opportunities to make your voice heard for a brighter future for Tennessee students.

Go to TSS Action Network
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P.O. Box 680231 Franklin, TN 37068
/ info@tnsuccess.org / 615.704.5005