Hundreds of educators will gather at LeaderU on Saturday, June 20, at the Marriott Hotel in Franklin to discuss the future of education in Tennessee as well as best practices in teaching and administration. This is an event for educators, public school parents, business and community leaders who desire a better understanding of where the state is heading with education. This year’s theme is "The Future is NOW."
Tennessee Commissioner of Education Dr. Candice McQueen will outline the state’s vision for public education at the event. Dr. McQueen, a Clarksville native and former teacher, will share the state’s top education initiatives and discuss the role education plays across the state as well as her story of how she rose through the ranks to become Tennessee’s chief education official. In the months ahead, Dr. McQueen faces "tough challenges" as she strives to earn the trust of educators, superintendents and lawmakers, revamp more rigorous academic standards, and establish a new state standardized test called "TNReady."
State Senator Dr. Mark Green will also address attendees, describing ways educators can become more effective leaders across the state in the conversation on education. Senator Green draws upon his years of leadership experience in military service, medical practice and policymaking to assist educators in planning their leadership strategies.
Other featured presenters: Dr. Felicia Bates, Instructional Administrator, Lakewood Schools, Henry County Schools; Adjunct Professor, Freed-Hardeman University; Samantha Bates, Director of Member Services, Professional Educators of TN; former middle school teacher; Timothy Carey, Media Arts Instructor, Maxwell Elementary, Metro-Nashville Public Schools; Tim Childers, Asst. Principal at the L&N STEM Academy, Knox County Schools; Dr. Timothy Drinkwine, Principal, Eakin School, Metro-Nashville Public Schools; Dr. April Ebbinger, Director of Clinical Studies, University of Tennessee – Chattanooga; Leigh Jones, Director of Aesthetic Education Initiatives for TN Performing Arts Center (TPAC); Karen Lawson, Social Studies instructor, West Middle School, Tullahoma City Schools; David Lockett, Instructor, Homer Pittard Campus School; Adjunct Professor, Middle TN State University; Susan Millican, Adjunct professor/Professor in Residence, University of TN – Chattanooga; Dr. Jill Pittman, Principal, Goodlettsville Middle Prep, Metro-Nashville Public Schools; Tiffany Roan, College Savings Specialist, TN Dept. of Treasury; Mike Sheppard, Esq., General Counsel for Professional Educators of Tennessee; Susan Sudberry, Instructional Technology Specialist, Tullahoma City Schools.
These education professionals will lead a total of 16 sessions such as “Why Teach Coding?” “Take Charge of Your Professional Learning,” “Your School’s Social Media Presence: Telling Your Own Story,” and the LawTalk© series. These current issues are tailored to meet the needs of teachers and administrators at all levels, and multiple classes are available for up to six TASL credits. College students and new teachers can also benefit from the networking opportunity and classes on financial literacy, advice for new teachers, technology, and project-based learning, said officials.
For more information or to register, visit www.leaderutn.com.