Tennesseans for Student Success

Please join Tennesseans for Student Success in congratulating our intern @BenSchmisseur on his graduation from Belmont University! He interned with our government relations team and assisted them with various policy work during his time with TSS. Ben graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Political Science, and he was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society. Before joining TSS, he also interned for Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton during the 2025 legislative session.

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We'd like to show our support for Cydni Alexander, who is a curriculum developer and instructor at @LeadershipMphs. Originally from Chicago, she transitioned to Memphis after joining Teach For America in 2017. After her second year in education, she became a full-time citizen of Tennessee and earned her master's degree in curriculum and instruction. She hopes to continue changing the lives of students in the state. . I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. My transition to Tennessee happened thanks to Teach For America. I joined Teach For America, the Memphis region, in 2017. After my second year in education, I decided to become a full-time citizen of the state of Tennessee and obtain my master's degree in curriculum and instruction. I enjoy my career in education; I hope to continue to change the lives of students in Tennessee.

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We’d like to show our support for Regine McDavid, who teaches math at @MSECordovaEl. McDavid was named Teacher of the Year for MSE Cordova in 2024 and leads schoolwide initiatives in STEM, literacy, and community engagement. She is also currently studying at the University of Memphis to obtain her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We’d like to show our support for Hannah Badger, who is the founding English-Language Arts teacher at East Tennessee's only public bilingual school ChattAcademy Community School. Hannah is also in her second year as an adjunct English instructor. She strives to bring both academic expertise and passion for educational equity to the classroom.

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We’d like to show our support for Tennessee Nature Academy middle school math teacher Alicia Herrera. The Nashville educator has spent 17 years advancing rigorous, equity-centered STEM learning. She’s also a runner and is training for a 100-mile race!

🚨 ELECTION DAY IS COMING 🚨 State and county primary elections, as well as some school board elections, are coming up on May 5! Click the link below for more election information for your county 🔽

Congratulations to the families and educators who supported the four new public charter schools approved by @JMCSchools this week, including Gestalt’s North Jackson and East Jackson Academy. West Tennessee students deserve more high-quality public school options. Proven networks like Gestalt will enhance the landscape for families in partnership with JMCSS. Read to learn more 🔽

Tonight, the @MSCSK12 BOE has a chance to give students in Hickory Hill and Frayser the option to attend a public charter school that utilizes a sports-based teaching model to help students in need of confidence, excel. Learn more about Urban Dove and its learning model. ⬇️

Tonight, the @MetroSchools Board of Education has an opportunity to give West Nashville families the option to attend a public school that utilizes a discussion-based teaching model that's more common in elite private schools. Learn more about The Gate School and the Harkness Method. ⬇️

Public charter schools offer students an education that not only fits them today, but also prepares them for tomorrow. TSS Choice Champions Scholarship Fellow, Amaya Hamilton, explains how @memphisrise is doing that on this week's Choice Champions on Tape. WATCH to learn more 🎞️

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of State Representative G.A. Hardaway. Hardaway was a devoted advocate for his constituents in Memphis' House District 93, serving for nearly 20 years.

Our statement on the critical work that members of the Tennessee General Assembly accomplished this year. Read more➡️ tnsuccess.org/news/lawmakers…

We appreciate the Tennessee Senate's vote today to pass House Bill 2177. It will provide needed transparency and streamline the renewal process for high-achieving public charter schools. Members of the House passed this important bill yesterday, and we look forward to @GovBillLee signing it.

Thanks to members of the @TNHouseReps & @tnsenate for passing the Better Spending Better Schools Act. Our polling has found that more than 64% of voters believe education funding isn't being spent efficiently, and this legislation will help address that lack of trust.

Thank you to @tnhousegop's William Slater for sponsoring House Bill 2177 and providing needed transparency and streamlining the renewal process for high-achieving public charter schools. The House passed this needed legislation today, and we look forward to passage in the Senate this week.

New from @JakeHolleyMedia: Libertas School of Memphis approved to open high school. Read more 🔽