From Tanya T. Coats, President, Tennessee Education Association

As another school year begins across Tennessee, I want to thank you for your willingness to serve your communities.

School board service isn't easy. It rarely comes with easy decisions or unanimous agreement. Yet you accepted the responsibility because you care deeply about the future of your hometown and because you believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

At the Tennessee Education Association, we believe something simple but powerful:

Strong public schools create strong communities.

Every decision made in your boardroom reaches far beyond a meeting agenda. It shapes classrooms, influences school culture, affects educator morale, and helps determine whether talented teachers choose to build their careers in your community.

While many education policies originate in Nashville, their impact is ultimately felt in your schools. The way those policies are implemented—the tone you set, the questions you ask, and the voices you invite into the conversation—can make all the difference.

That's why I encourage you to continue seeking the perspective of the people who know students best: Tennessee's educators.

Teachers, education support professionals, school counselors, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, food service professionals, and so many others experience the realities of our schools every single day. Their insight isn't simply valuable: it's essential to making informed decisions that work for students.

This year, TEA has focused on four priorities that we believe strengthen every public school.

Relationships. Strong schools begin with trust, collaboration, and honest conversation.

Resources. Students and educators deserve the tools, staffing, and investments necessary to succeed.

Retention. Tennessee's future depends on attracting and keeping outstanding educators who choose to remain in our classrooms.

Respect. Every educator deserves to be treated as the highly skilled professional they are.

These priorities are not partisan. They are practical. And when communities invest in these four areas, everyone benefits.

This school year, I hope we can continue building relationships rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to Tennessee's students. We may not always agree on every issue, but I believe we can always agree that our children deserve thoughtful leadership, strong public schools, and decisions informed by those closest to the work.

The Tennessee Education Association stands ready to be a partner in that effort. We will continue advocating for the educators who serve our students every day while working alongside school boards that share our commitment to excellent public schools.

Because when educators, school boards, families, and communities work together, students thrive.

And when students thrive, Tennessee thrives.

Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to making Tennessee the best place to live, teach, learn, and lead.

With appreciation,

Tanya T. Coats
President, Tennessee Education Association