Tennessee Public Schools: The Heart of Our Hometowns
Our neighborhood schools are the heart of local communities. Places where students learn, families gather and communities thrive.
Every student, family member, educator and school leader is part of what makes Tennessee public schools places where learning and connection go beyond the classroom.
Strong schools make strong communities.
That’s how hometowns work.
In every Tennessee classroom, there is a desk waiting... Tennessee public school educators show up for every child. That's how hometowns work!
Teachers, school leaders, families - showing up for all students, standing on the same side. That's how hometowns work.
Heart of Our Hometowns: Maury County Education Association President Builds On Legacy, Inspires Change
For John Orman, his hometown, education, and career are intricately intertwined.
The audio-visual instructor at Columbia Central High School in Maury County is proud to say his parents were both public school teachers who inspired him to choose public education as a career.
Now in his seventh year of working for Maury County Schools, Orman says he doesn’t have to look far for continued inspiration.
“During every open house at our school, people come up to me and say, ‘Your dad’s class was my favorite. In addition to history, he taught me how to set a table. He taught me how to tie a necktie.’ I think a lot of times people don’t realize how all-encompassing a teacher's job is," Orman says.
Perhaps that’s part of the reason it wasn’t a difficult decision for him to step into a leadership role in his local association.
Pictured: John Orman at graduation ceremony with fellow Maury Co. EA member and high school English teacher David Walker. "David is my mentor and a great colleague," Orman says.
Read the full story in the July 2026 issue of TEACH.
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