TSBA: Your Education Source Podcast

In this episode, we join Missy Testerman, Rogersville City School, as she discusses her achievement as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and shares her journey from the classroom to national recognition. Tune in as she provides insights into her teaching philosophy, innovative practices, and strategies on building meaningful connections to students, families, and community. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a policy change” are tackled during today's episode. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that's empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White County Schools; Candice Allen, A/V Teacher at White County Schools; and Cameron Dronebarger, A/V Teacher at White County Schools, and explore how the program started, the valuable experiences it offers, and the impressive projects students have produced. This episode is a must-listen! WarriorTV Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In this episode, we're excited to discuss TSBA's latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it's essential for school board members to stay informed. Whether you're an AI novice or already exploring its possibilities, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical guidance to navigate this rapidly evolving field. Tune in to discover how this resource empowers school board members to embrace the opportunities—and challenges—of artificial intelligence in education! Click here to access the TSBA AI Toolkit. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton County) welcome all new school board members and share words of advice when navigating the first few years of service on the Board.   Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In today's episode, Mark Clark, Board Chairman, Fayetteville City, Eric Jones, Director of Schools, Fayetteville City, and Braila, a Senior at Fayetteville City Schools, discuss the role of student representatives on Boards of Education and their impact on shaping the future of our schools. Listen today to hear insights on why student voices are essential in board governance. 

In today's episode, Jennifer White, TSBA Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discusses the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference. Annually, TSBA hosts this event which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Tune in today and listen to how participants explore education issues and gain an understanding of how school boards operate. https://tsba.net/event/student-congress-on-policies-in-education-scope/

In today's episode, Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discusses the importance of advocacy in public education and why it matters to be an effective advocate. Whether you are a board member or a Director of Schools, today's episode contains helpful information when considering the legislative landscape for the school district.

In today's episode, Wright Cox, Collierville Board Chairman; Leigh Anne Rainey, Chief Academic Officer; and Jana Church, Intervention and Special Populations Supervisor, discuss their English Learners program and how they are using this program to empower students from diverse backgrounds to overcome language barriers and succeed academically. Listen today to hear insights on how they have structured this program as well as the resources they have adopted to support these students. Whether you are a board member, educator, parent, or community member, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the impact and future of English Learner programs across Tennessee.

In today's episode, David Lowrie, State Director, and Jake Davis, State President, discuss the TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program and how this program has impacted students across the state of Tennessee. Listen today to learn how to get your school district involved. https://tbnhsy.com David Lowrie, TN State Director dlowrie@benlomand.net Jake Davis, TBN State President sctnbassnation@gmail.com 615-613-2382

In today's episode, Dr. Tammy Grissom, TSBA Executive Director, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discuss the importance of data and why it is such an important tool for school boards to utilize when making decisions for their school districts. Listen today to learn how to access the different types of data available to school boards across Tennessee.       Show Notes   Please see below the links to access the data mentioned during today's podcast episode.   TSBA District Data Dashboard (Tennessee School Boards Association) Provides district and regional labor market statistics, along with district demographics, academic, and financial data. Academic Supply for Occupational Demand Report (Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation) Provides districts with information on in-demand occupations and aligned academic programs in Tennessee. County Profiles (Tennessee Higher Education Commission) Provides an overview of higher education data by county, including college-going rate, socioeconomic profile, FAFSA filing rate, top colleges by attendance for high school graduates, etc. Tennessee Educator Survey (Tennessee Education Research Alliance, Tennessee Department of Education) Serves as the largest-scale data collection on Tennessee teacher perspectives on a range of topics, including school climate and leadership, instructional practice, teacher evaluation and instructional improvement, and standards and assessment. Includes district- and school-level data where the response rate is at least 45 percent. Tennessee State Report Card (Tennessee Department of Education) Features extensive information about the growth and achievement of Tennessee schools and districts. The report card also includes financial, enrollment, and demographic information. Data Downloads (Tennessee Department of Education) Serves as a landing page for multiple sources of raw data from the Tennessee Department of Education, including data on such topics as achievement, growth, discipline, chronic absenteeism. For the first time last year, the department released Educator Race and Ethnicity Data on this page. Tennessee Educator Preparation Report Card (Tennessee State Board of Education, Tennessee Department of Education) Provides data on the effectiveness of educator preparation providers.

[Re-Air] In today's episode, I'm speaking with Keys Fillauer, 2021 President-Elect and Board Chairman of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, as he discusses the top attributes needed to be an effective board chairman. The chairman carries a heavy responsibility, and certain skills and actions are required in order for the chairman to conduct his/her duties in an efficient manner.

In today's episode, Dr. Steve Barnett, Director of Schools for Johnson City Schools, Kathy Hall, Chair of the Johnson City Board of Education, and Dr. Greg Wallace, Supervisor of Safety and Mental Health discuss Johnson City Schools' Heroes Program – a comprehensive set of services designed to meet a wide range of student mental health and safety needs – and how it has benefitted their students. Listen today to learn how to create a similar program in your school district. https://www.jcschools.org/school-safety 

In today's episode, Brian Hutto, Director of Schools of Lebanon Special Schools, Mike Kurtz, Director of Operations, and Officer Dusty Burton share the importance of school safety and introduce Blaze, their newest resource to ensure that all students and district employees are safe while at school. Listen in as they explain why the Lebanon Special Board of Education felt this program was needed within the district as well as how to successfully replicate a similar program in your district. Shownotes Lebanon Special School District “Paws on Patrol” - https://www.lssd.org/apps/news/article/1795952 Global K9 - https://globalk9protectiongroup.com  

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a policy change” are tackled during today's episode.

In today's episode, Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools for Cheatham County Schools, and David Risner, Board Chairman of the Cheatham County Board of Education, share the importance of becoming the first school district in Tennessee to be named a Unified Champion District by the Special Olympics. Join us as they cover the steps the district took to achieve this designation as well as the importance of promoting social inclusion throughout the school district. https://www.cheathamcountyschools.net/apps/news/article/1810530 https://www.cheathamcountyschools.net/apps/news/article/1732327 https://youtu.be/3O2Fxc3pyFs https://www.cheathamcountyschools.net/apps/news/article/1644462

The Tennessee School Boards Association maintains an awards program that, each year, recognizes school board members who have gone above and beyond for their school district. In today's episode, Brittany Massey, Director of Finance and Member Services, and Sandy Jones, Board of Directors Services Coordinator, cover the different types of awards and recognitions available for school board members to achieve throughout the year. Visit www.tsba.net for additional award details and applications.

In today's episode, Nathan Abbott, Information Systems Manager with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury – Division of Local Government Audit, provides an in-depth overview of cybersecurity and speaks to why it is important for school districts to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect their digital assets. Show Notes: Below are a few websites mentioned during today's podcast that may be helpful to reference when learning more about cybersecurity: https://www.cisa.gov/ https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/la/resources/cyberaware.html https://www.tn.gov/cybersecurity.html https://www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac

In today's episode, Patty Thomas, Director of Career & Technical Education, Federal Programs, & Nursing Services for Alcoa City Schools, discusses Careers in Motion, a program that encourages students to participate in CTE opportunities. Careers in Motion is a grant-funded project awarded by Pathways TN and the Tennessee Department of Education to Alcoa City Schools, Blount County Schools, and Maryville City Schools in order to promote high-wage, high-demand, high-skill career and technical education-related programs to students. Visit the Careers in Motion website by clicking here.

In today's episode, Greg Mays, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, speaks about the SafeTN app and explains why this platform is vital when keeping our schools safe. Listen in as he provides background information as to why such an application is needed and why it is important to create a positive environment on reporting within a school district. For more information regarding the SafeTN app, including posters to promote this platform in your district, please click on the link below or contact Greg Mays at gregory.mays@tn.gov. https://www.tn.gov/safety/homeland-security/safetn.html

In today's episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Greg Hammond, Chief Public Information Officer, discuss why communication is key at Jackson-Madison County Schools. Listen in as they cover the different methods of communication that they have implemented to foster relationships with their employees, students, parents, and the community. To learn more about their district, visit them at www.jmcss.org.

In today's episode, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director & General Counsel, and Brittany Massey, TSBA Director of Finance & Member Services, discuss school board member training and provide information as to these training requirements as well as the trainings available through the Tennessee School Boards Association.

In today's episode, Bill Parker, Director of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission, discusses the importance of financial literacy in grades K-12 and the resources available for school districts when focusing on financial education. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcNd4fCniq0

In today's episode, Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director of the CMA Foundation & SVP Industry Relations & Philanthropy at the County Music Association, and Franklin Willis, Director of Community Impact at the Country Music Association, discuss the importance of music education in our Tennessee schools and provide resources and recommendations as to how school districts can strengthen their music programs.

In today's episode, we discuss the benefits of BOEconnect, an online meeting platform offered by TSBA. Vijaya Subramani, Board Secretary for the Germantown Municipal Board of Education, highlights the many reasons why she and the Board enjoy utilizing this service and how it has streamlined the board meeting preparation process. Listen today to learn how your Board can start streamlining their process today through BOEconnect.

In today's episode, Christy Tennant, Deputy Director of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of Investigations, is speaking about the role of the Tennessee Comptroller's Office and how it works with school districts when overseeing school support organizations. Listen today to find out more about the board's role when ensuring these organizations comply with state law. For more information, click here to access the procedures manual for school support organizations referenced during today's episode. Click here to view the investigations map created by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office.

In today's episode, Dr. Russell Dyer, Director of Schools; Nate Tucker, Board Chairman; Scott Campbell, Aviation Instructor; and Renny Whittenbarger, Supervisor of CTE, discuss Cleveland City Schools' aviation program, Tango Flight – an innovative educational program that encompasses concepts of aerospace, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and design engineering, with an emphasis on aviation – and how it has benefitted their students. Listen today to learn how to create a similar program in your school district. Flight Simulator Take Off Video Flight Simulator Landing Video  

In today's episode, Todd Shipley, Director of Fine Arts at the Tennessee Department of Education, discusses the importance of arts education in our Tennessee schools and provides resources and recommendations as to how school districts can strengthen their arts program.

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around open meetings. Questions from “what is an open meeting” to “are there any exceptions to this law”  are tackled during today's episode.

During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, 2023 TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, TSBA Immediate Past President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, TSBA President-Elect (Arlington); and Marty Burlison, TSBA Vice President (Tipton County) welcome all new school board members and share words of advice when navigating the first few years of service on the Board. 

Lauren Dickson, Miss Tennessee 2022, discusses her journey on becoming Miss Tennessee and shares why choosing the social impact initiative – Heart for the Hungry: Overcoming Food Insecurity – was so important to her. For any questions about the initiative, Heart for the Hungry, or for more information as to how to book Miss Tennessee to visit your school, please contact lauren.dickson@misstennessee.org. You can also find Lauren on Instagram (MissAmericaTN) or Facebook (MissTN). To find out more about Miss Tennessee and the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Organization, click here to visit the website.

Keys Fillauer, 2022 TSBA President & Oak Ridge Board Chair, and Brittany Massey, TSBA Director of Finance & Member Services, discuss the basics of the new and improved boardsmanship award program and describe what board members need to know in order to make the most of this program. Click here to download the Boardsmanship Award Program packet.

Jeff Mayo, Director of Schools of Arlington Community Schools, Kay Williams, Arlington Board Member, and Dr. Dale Viox, Arlington Board Chair, discuss the importance of teacher appreciation within its schools and how these efforts have paid off - Arlington Community Schools has being designated as the #1 Top Workplace in the Memphis-Metro region. Show Notes For more information as to Arlington Community Schools, click here to access their website. Below are some facts about the school district: ACS was formed in 2014, with them opening their doors in August of the same year. Now, in their 9th year as a school district, ACS has about 4,800 students in four schools: two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. ACS has approximately 535 employees. Examples of how ACS showes teacher appreciation and support are as follows: Quarterly celebrations – lunches provided by the district every nine weeks; PLUS Experience – recognizes employees for going above and beyond their duties; Employee spotlight – every month, one employee from each school is chosen by administrators to be highlighted in the district newsletter and on social media; Birthday message – personalized birthday message sent from the Superintendent; Monday motivation – the Superintendent sends motivational message to employees every Monday to help kick off the week; and Strategic Plan incentive giveaway – employees are encouraged to post on social media how they are implementing the new strategic plan in their classroom, with a winner selected from each school.

Ben Torres, Assistant Executive Director & General Counsel, Emily Warren, Director of Government Relations & Staff Attorney, and Jennifer White, Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discuss how the legal, policy, and government relations departments within TSBA can assist school boards in efficiently governing school districts. For more information as to the services offered at TSBA as well as the contact information for any TSBA staff member, visit TSBA's website at www.tsba.net.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Nancy Keil, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and Alison McArthur, the Director of Community Achieves at Metro Nashville Public Schools, as we discuss food insecurity across the state of Tennessee and how partnerships with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank can be valuable resources to school districts. While Second Harvest Food Bank provides a central distribution center to help provide food for hungry people, it also oversees multiple programs that directly benefit school districts, such as the Afterschool Meal Program, the Kids Café, and the School Food Pantry – to name a few. Listen in today to learn more about how school districts can support students and families who struggle with food insecurity. Throughout today's episode, the below information was mentioned that school districts can utilize to learn more about ways to partner with their local food bank. Contact Information for your Local Food Bank: Nancy Keil nancy.keil@secondharvestmidtn.org Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee – Nashville | www.secondharvestmidtn.org Cathy Pope cpope@midsouthfoodbank.org | MidSouth Food Bank – Memphis | https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/ Elaine Streno elaine@secondharvestetn.org | Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – Knoxville | https://secondharvestetn.org/ Rhonda Chafin rchafin@netfoodbank.org | Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee – Kingsport | https://netfoodbank.org/ Melissa Blevins mblevins@chattfoodbank.org | Chattanooga Area Food Bank | https://chattfoodbank.org/ More information: 2018 Tennessee Comptroller Report on Community Schools Registration to a virtual learning summit in September https://tncommunityschools.org Click here to access the website to the State Coalition with community school districts across the state.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Alicia Fuss, Director of Arts Education at the Tennessee Arts Commission, as we discuss the importance of art education in schools. Throughout the episode, Alicia provides information on multiple programs that school districts can utilize when encouraging students to be involved in the arts. Alicia speaks to the benefits of participation in these programs and provides research that shows students who are involved in the arts are four times more likely recognized for academic achievement. Throughout today's episode, multiple websites were mentioned as resources that school districts can access to learn more about art education. See the links to those websites below: Tennessee Arts Commission TN Arts Education Data Project Arts Education Partnership Americans for the Arts

In today's episode, we are speaking with Kay Ward, Reading Buddies and Book Bus Coordinator at Bristol Tennessee City Schools, and Nelson Pyle, Bristol City Schools Board Member, as they discuss the different reading programs at Bristol Tennessee City Schools. Join us as we hear how these programs have benefited students and how the community stepped in to help students succeed. For more information about today's episode, click here to learn more about the Book Bus as well as view a picture of the bus in action. To learn more about Reading Buddies, click here to see how the program works and to read more incredible stories about their success. Click here to read more about Scholastic FACE and their initiative on empowering parents on becoming literacy advocates for their children.

In today's episode, we are talking with the 2021 recipient of the TSBA Award for Excellence in Education Program: the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center (EIC). The EIC offers a unique opportunity for students in grades 10-12 at Williamson County Schools to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation by starting a business, launching a product, or offering a service. Dr. Jeremy Qualls, CTE Director; Clay Banks, EIC Mentor; and Paula Chilton, Assistant CTE Director join us to discuss the benefits of this program and explain how other districts can set up a similar program in their schools. For more information on the EIC, click here to access their website. As mentioned during the episode, you can find photos of the EIC by clicking here.

With the Tennessee General Assembly in full swing, we thought it would be timely to re-air our podcast episode with Mark Clark, 2020 TSBA President & Fayetteville board member, and Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director & General Counsel, as they discuss communicating with legislators and advocating for public education. Mark and Ben discuss the best methods to communicate with legislators and provide tips to leave a positive impression with your legislator.

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the Director of Schools. From hiring the Director of Schools to the proper notice needed when discussing the Director's contract at a board meeting is tackled during today's episode.

In today's episode, Jenna is speaking with Jerry Boyd, Washington County Director of Schools; Tony Roberts, Transportation Supervisor; and Jarrod Adams, Chief Operations Officer as they discuss the concept of zero emission school transportation as well as the steps it took for the district to purchase Tennessee's first electric school bus. Having an electric bus not only paves the way for a more efficient way for transportation but also has positive impacts on their students, employees, and community. Click here for the article that was mentioned during today's podcast. For any questions as to how your school district can start the conversation on zero emission school transportation, contact the Washington County School District. For more information regarding the initiative that was mentioned, click here to learn about STRIDE Collaborative, an initiative to reduce diesel emissions and improving public health.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with James Pond, President of the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), as he discusses the operation behind Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and how GELF aids in the success of the Imagination Library in Tennessee. GELF equips Tennessee's children with books and literacy tools to encourage lifelong learning. GELF has grown from a book-gifting program to an early literacy organization, offering multiple programs where all Tennessee children have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to become lifelong learners. These programs include Birth-5 Book Delivery through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, K-3 Book Delivery, Caregiver Engagement, Book Buses, and Storybook Trails. For more information about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/. For more information about GELF, visit www.GovernorsFoundation.org. Contact Information for GELF General Email:info@governorsfoundation.org Toll-free number: (877) 99-BOOKS Paige Atchley Shapiro, Senior Program Manager, Email:atchley@tn.gov Paige Atchley Shapiro, Senior Program Manager, Phone: 423-802-4282 Facebook: @GovEarlyLiteracyTN Instagram: @GovEarlyLiteracyTN Twitter: @GovLiteracyTN

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Jill Pierce as she discusses the importance of technology in schools and how it impacts public education. Jill has served in a technology role for multiple school districts and has recently retired from the role as Chief Technology Officer with McMinn County Schools. During this episode, she explains how using technology to address instructional, safety, and administrative needs is a formula that leads to success.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Keys Fillauer, 2021 President-Elect and Board Chairman of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, as he discusses the top attributes needed to be an effective board chairman. The chairman carries a heavy responsibility, and certain skills and actions are required in order for the chairman to conduct his/her duties in an efficient manner.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Mary Graham, the President and CEO of United Ways of Tennessee and Lead Staff for the Tennessee Afterschool Network, as she discusses the importance of afterschool programs and why the Tennessee Afterschool Network advocates for safe, healthy, and nurturing afterschool experiences for Tennessee students. For more information about this episode, visit the Tennessee Afterschool Network's website at http://www.tnafterschool.org/. For more information regarding the 211 Helpline offered by the United Way, visit their website at https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/211-helpline/. Celebrate the 22nd Annual Lights On Afterschool on October 28, 2021. For more information as to how your school district can participate, visit http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm.

Always a crowd favorite, Special Agent Andy Hendrix, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, recently spoke at TSBA's Summer Law Institute in Gatlinburg about Project iGuardian, an initiative designed to combat the sexual exploitation of children. Based off feedback received, we wanted to re-air our podcast episode with Special Agent Hendrix for those that missed his presentation at the Summer Law Institute. In this podcast episode, you'll hear Special Agent Andy Hendrix and Special Agent Jim Cole with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security speak about Project iGuardian as well as hear about their outreach efforts to share information about the dangers of online environments, how to stay safe online, and how to report abuse and suspicious activity. For information as to the resources mentioned during this podcast episode, please see the links below: Be Safer Online for students under the age of 12   Be Safer Online for students over the age of 12  Be Safer Online for Parents and Teachers Child Rescue Coalition  Internet Safety 101  What to do when a child predator contacts your child There's an app for that! 

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Carol Berry, Board Chairman of Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, and Dr. Sean Impeartrice, Chief Academic Officer of Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, as they discuss their innovative “Grow Your Own” program – a teacher pipeline that will generate new teachers each year through educational opportunities and hands-on apprenticeships. Carol and Sean share the different components that made this program a success and give advice as to how other districts can provide this opportunity for their community. For more information regarding the “Grow Your Own” program at Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, visit cmcss.net/trp. If you have questions regarding the implementation of this progress, feel free to send an email to trp@cmcss.net or contact Carol Berry at carol.berry@cmcss.net.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with school board members Bobby Henderson, Hardeman County; Dr. Dale Viox, Arlington; and Susan Horn, Knox County, as they share information on civility in the boardroom and share words of wisdom as to how a board chairman can maintain civility even in the hardest moments. While you may not be the current board chairman, this episode is definitely worth the listen as Bobby, Dale, and Susan also speak to the different ways an individual board member can reinforce civility at the board table.

Thousands of Tennessee students face the school day on an empty stomach because there is not enough food at home. Hungry students cannot learn. In today’s episode, Marissa Spady, representative at No Kid Hungry Tennessee, shares information as to how school districts can ensure that all students are healthy and ready to learn and explains why school nutrition is a critical resource for families not just during a pandemic, but always. Visit the websites below for more information regarding No Kid Hungry Tennessee as well as their national campaign: Home - Tennessee | Tennessee (nokidhungry.org) End Child Hunger in America | No Kid Hungry No Kid Hungry encourages everyone to share their appreciation for their local school nutrition professionals. Fill out this form to highlight their great work and commitment to serving their community. Shout Outs will be announced on the No Kid Hungry Tennessee webpage and social media.

In today’s episode, we are talking with the 2020 recipient of the TSBA Award for Excellence in Education Program: the Clinton City Blaze. Created in 2018, the Blaze is a comprehensive activities program that provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to develop individual talents and interests. Kelly Johnson, Clinton City Director of Schools, and E.T. Stamey, Clinton City Athletic Director, join us to discuss the benefits of this program and explain how other districts can set up a similar program in their schools.

In today’s episode, we are talking all about the power of reading and how sharing the love of reading can benefit students for years to come. To highlight these benefits, I sat down with Kathy Hall, Johnson City board member, and Marcie Nitsch, 4th grade teacher with Sumner County Schools, and spoke with each of them about instilling their love of reading in others and the impact they have witnessed among students who learn to love to read.