Teachers make Tennessee! This month we highlighted some outstanding educators who go above and beyond to ensure the success of future generations. The department is very proud to offer a variety of pathways for Tennesseans to join the education workforce and share knowledge with those who will drive future innovation. In this video, we spotlight Sumner County's TeachSumner initiative, where educators come from a variety of career backgrounds. For more details, visit tn.gov/education/teachreadyt… to learn about our Strategic Staffing, EPP Partnerships, Mentorship, Educator Recruitment, Educator Pipeline, Educator Retention, and Differentiated Compensation. #AcceleratingTN

October is Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate the connections among our schools, local farmers, students, and communities! From school gardens and agricultural education to locally grown foods in the cafeteria, Farm to School helps students discover where their food comes from and why local agriculture matters. Whether you're serving local food in the cafeteria, visiting a farm, planting a school garden, or simply enjoying a Tennessee-grown snack, there are many ways to celebrate Farm to School Month! Share your celebrations with us by tagging us and submitting photos: stateoftennessee.formstack.c… #TNFarmtoSchool #AcceleratingTN

Congratulations to the grand division awardees of Teacher of the Year! These three educators exemplify outstanding teaching across Tennessee's west, middle, and east regions. Their expertise enables students of various grade levels and specialties to thrive. We are incredibly proud of your work and are honored to have all of you teaching in Tennessee. @DSExplorers @MCScommunicates @LaudCoSchools #AcceleratingTN

The Governor’s Schools Application is now open for summer 2027! Each program offers a unique learning environment for rising 11th- and 12th-grade students interested in the arts, humanities, agricultural science, STEM programs, advanced mathematics, physics, leadership, international studies, Tennessee history, or potential teaching careers. The application deadline is November 20, so start yours today! For additional information and application instructions, visit tn.gov/education/districts/i…. @utmartin @MTSU @austinpeay @tennesseetech @UTChattanooga @UTKnoxville #AcceleratingTN

Registration for the Math Implementation Network 2026-27 Virtual Learning Session 2 closes tomorrow! Topics include: - Exploring additive thinking and its role in the development of mathematical reasoning - Examining the role of classroom assessment evidence in understanding student learning - Analyzing classroom assessment item alignment to Tennessee standards and grade-level expectations - Applying a process for examining classroom assessment alignment in local contexts Register today for a session on October 27 or 29: schoolkitgroup.formstack.com…

Last month, Opportunities with Literacy (OWL) Fest brought excitement to 35 schools across Tennessee in partnership with @Scholastic. Thanks to @GovLiteracyTN, every PreK–5th grade student received six brand-new books to build their own home library and foster a love of reading! #AcceleratingTN

Class of 2027, graduation is just the beginning. The transition from high school to postsecondary can be smoother with a plan. Did you know that several institutions offer applications that are completely free? Dream big. Apply everywhere. Take steps towards the future you want. For more information about the college application process: collegefortn.org/applying-to… @College4TN #AcceleratingTN

Writing Matters: Join Us for ELN Regional Convening 2! This convening will focus on strengthening writing as a critical component of literacy and on exploring how high-quality instruction helps students use writing to deepen understanding, communicate ideas, and demonstrate learning. We encourage all leaders whose roles oversee literacy progress to join us as we continue building coherent literacy systems that support all students. The last day to register is TOMORROW, October 16! Middle Region (Murfreesboro) - November 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT: web.cvent.com/event/dc49b9f1… West Region (Jackson) - November 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT: web.cvent.com/event/1f89333e… East Region (Knoxville) - November 6, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ET: web.cvent.com/event/8acf0d53…

ICYMI: On October 1, we announced the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year, along with the Novice Teacher of the Year Honorees, Aspiring Educator Award, the 2026 Milken Award, and the two 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists at the Excellence in Education event.🎉 We also want to extend a special thank-you to these amazing organizations, who made our event possible. Let's continue celebrating these amazing achievements! Read more: tn.gov/education/news/2026/1… @PCSSTN @BradleySchools @cville_schools @tosstn1975 @Bojangles @K1Education @RoaneSchoolsTN #AcceleratingTN

Happy birthday to the @USNavy! Across Tennessee, there are remarkable Navy Junior ROTC Units that demonstrate the values and skills of the US Navy. These cadets will graduate with the experience to excel in their postsecondary journeys. @elizabethtonhs @ElizCitySchools @LCHSFalcons @LCSchools1 @UnionCoPatriots @UnionCounty4 @discovermase #AcceleratingTN

It's National School Lunch Week!🎉 This year's theme, "Cafeteria Circus," celebrates the creativity, care, and commitment of school nutrition professionals, and the delicious, nutritious meals that keep our students fueled to learn. To learn more and view student activities, visit schoolnutrition.org/about-sc….

Writing Matters: Join Us for ELN Regional Convening 2! Registration is still open for the second convening of the 2026-27 Early Literacy Network (ELN) In-Person Regional series! This convening will focus on strengthening writing as a critical component of literacy and on exploring how high-quality instruction helps students use writing to deepen understanding, communicate ideas, and demonstrate learning. We encourage all leaders whose roles oversee literacy progress to join us as we continue building coherent literacy systems that support all students. Register Today! Middle Region (Murfreesboro) - November 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT: web.cvent.com/event/dc49b9f1… West Region (Jackson) - November 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT: web.cvent.com/event/1f89333e… East Region (Knoxville) - November 6, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ET: web.cvent.com/event/8acf0d53…

This week, the Governor's Management Fellows Class of 2028 visited the department as part of their "ServingTN Tour," getting a behind-the-scenes look at how state government works. Fellows met with Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds and other department leaders, gaining firsthand insights from state employees about what it's really like to serve Tennesseans from within state government. During the day, fellows visited @TSB_Tigers and heard from Dr. Richard Ray about the school's unique mission and the students it serves. Fellows saw firsthand how the department's work translates from policy & programs into real experiences and opportunities for students. #AcceleratingTN

This recognition celebrates schools that are making civics a meaningful part of the student experience through strong instruction, civic engagement opportunities, and a commitment to preparing students for informed participation in their communities. Thank you to the educators, school leaders, staff, students, and community partners whose work made this recognition possible. We are excited to celebrate your continued commitment to civic learning across Tennessee! @MC_Schools @CCSDTN @ACS_System @cville_schools @gmsdk12 @TrentonSSD

Celebrate Farm to School Month by Crunching with us! Join schools and communities across Tennessee as we take a crunch out of locally grown apples and celebrate the farmers who help feed our state. #TNCrunchDay

Commissioner Reynolds was invited to be a guest speaker at @VanderbiltU by Amy Owen, Executive Director of @TNEdResAlliance. She shared insights on education funding and Tennessee's TISA formula. It was a valuable discussion about the policies and governance that shape our schools. The Commissioner was thrilled to see students and to be a part of their postsecondary education journey.

The department is excited to take the first step in implementing the federal education tax credit program and to expand opportunities for students across all educational settings. The preliminary interest form for the tax credit is now available to interested Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Read the full press release here: tn.gov/education/news/2026/1…