You'll notice this is not just a Momma Bear petition. It is a whole bunch of groups from across the state working together. It is pretty awesome to be a part of such a powerful network of parents, teachers, and leaders who want our schools in Tennessee to be excellent for every student.
Thank you for caring enough to sign and share this petition!
I am a parent of two children in TN's public education system. I have seen first hand the unintended fallout for our students that is a direct result of poor leadership of our state's public school system. This is an opportunity to choose a leader that will create a culture of collaboration and bring TN students to the top of their game. Governor Haslam has the power to choose someone who will lead with education experience under their belt and a willingness to listen and act on the needs of our students and their schools. Or he could choose another person who lacks experience, is unwilling to listen and is divisive. Which one is it going to be Governor?
-Chelle Baldwin, Nashville, TN
As a public school educator and a parent of four public school children, I'm extremely concerned about the direction of the education system in our state.
-Amy McKay, Arlington, TN
I'm signing because I'm a teacher and I believe in having strong supporters in the places that really matter.
-Shauna Grenead, Gallatin, TN
We need a CoE who listens to all stakeholders, not just ones who are set on profiting from "reform." We need a CoE who understands that one size does not fit all. Metropolitan schools face vastly different problems than rural schools, even if both places suffer from poverty. We need a CoE who understands that poverty predicts academic performance more strongly than teachers in many instances, and who will work to support students and their families, rather than penalize them. We need a CoE who will lead us out of high-stakes testing, to testing that gives valuable data and a reasonable amount of time to implement solutions and refine them.
-Jennifer Alvey, Franklin, TN
The next Commissioner Education should be pro-active in promoting community schools and wrap-around services for all students and will strive to improve the morale and working conditions of Tennessee teachers
-Jane Skinner, Knoxville, TN