Matthew Hawn spent over a decade teaching contemporary issues and social studies in Sullivan County, Tennessee. He loved his job, was respected by his colleagues, students and parents, and had no history of complaints—until 2020. That fall, a parent filed a complaint about a discussion of race and privilege in Hawn’s classroom. Less than a year later, on May 5, 2021, the same day Tennessee’s legislature passed its “divisive concepts” law, Hawn was dismissed from his teaching position.

In the last five years, as he navigated the legal and professional ramifications of his dismissal, Hawn never doubted his desire to return to the classroom in his native Sullivan County, and he had a constant supporter in his corner — the Tennessee Education Association, which stepped in to challenge Hawn’s dismissal as arbitrary.

“Really seeing how the association helps teachers, comes to help its members, was something special for me,” Hawn said. “Even though the circumstances weren’t the greatest, it was still very comforting to know that the legal part of this fight was going to be handled by the TEA.”

Hawn had always been “a dues-paying TEA member,” but he only attended several association meetings and conferences. Having experienced a legal process that has now dragged on for years, with TEA legal support and backing, he has a new appreciation for his professional association.

“It’s not just an individual taking on a government entity,” Hawn said. “You have the resources and the people of the TEA behind you. As an individual teacher, you wouldn’t necessarily have that if you weren’t a member.”

Following his dismissal, Hawn’s case went through multiple hearings and legal filings. In December 2024, a chancellor ruled in his favor, but the Sullivan County Board of Education appealed the decision. Hawn is now facing another lengthy legal process, with a final ruling potentially years away. Throughout it all, TEA’s legal team has continued to support him with legal representation and advocacy.

Hawn’s experience has made him an advocate for association membership, particularly for early-career teachers.

“I would encourage new teachers, especially, to join TEA,” he said. “And in this day and age, make sure that you document everything you are doing in your classrooms—every conversation you have with students, other teachers, administrators, and with parents,” Hawn said.

Beyond legal support, Hawn said he appreciates the broader role TEA plays in providing resources and advocacy for Tennessee’s educators.

“The association is much more than just a legal safety net,” Hawn said. “We get in our classroom, and we stay in that bubble, focused on the next day’s lesson plan, but there is a world of resources at your disposal that TEA provides.”

As Tennessee lawmakers continue to pass laws that threaten to weaken our great public schools, Hawn believes TEA’s role is more critical than ever.

“Our association is the only shot we have,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Hawn remains committed to teaching. He hopes to return to Sullivan County schools, though he acknowledges he may need to continue working outside of public education while his legal battle continues. He currently works for a local nonprofit that helps people overcome substance use disorders.

Hawn believes that sharing educators’ experiences to inform others is vital to keeping public schools strong.

“This is what TEA has done for me. This is what it can do for you. And this is where we’re headed if we don’t come together and start to push back,” Hawn said.

While Hawn did not ask to be a standard-bearer in this cause, TEA President Tanya Coats said his case is a great example of the power Tennessee’s educators have to support each other and protect the education profession.

“All Matthew Hawn wanted to do was teach—a job he loved and excelled at,” Coats said. “While TEA is grateful for his willingness to speak out for the benefit of teachers and students everywhere, we want his case to remind teachers in every school in Tennessee that TEA will help them in their hour of need.”

With every legal brief and court hearing, Hawn is more determined than ever to return to the classroom.

“I never thought I’d be fighting for my job,” he said. “But if it has to be me, then I’ll do it. I’m very grateful for the TEA and the role they played.”

Matthew Hawn is pictured with TEA President Tanya T. Coats.