Ed Trust-Tennessee Opposes Bill to Arm Teachers in Tennessee
The Education Trust-Tennessee, in addition to a collective of teachers, parents, students, education leaders, and community members from across all three Grand Divisions in the State of Tennessee, are in strong opposition to HB1202/SB1325.
HB1202/SB1325 would allow a person employed by a local education agency (LEA) as a faculty or staff member at a school within the LEA to possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of their school at which the person is assigned. Additionally, this bill establishes requirements for faculty or staff members to possess and carry concealed handguns on the grounds of the school, and states that an LEA is immune from claims for monetary damages that are related to a faculty member’s use of, or failure to use, a handgun at school.
About one year ago, Nashville tragically lost the lives of three nine-year old students and three adults at The Covenant School. This tragedy has not only left our state in continued mourning, grieving for the preventable loss of life in our community, but also highlights the need to employ evidence-based strategies to create safer schools, which must include removing guns from schools to protect our children and school staff. What happened in Nashville is not an isolated incident. In recent years, we saw a surge of gun-related violence and death in our school communities across the state from Murfreesboro, to Knoxville, Memphis, and beyond.
Tennessee has the 9th highest rate of gun violence in the country, with an average of 1385 Tennesseans losing their lives to gun violence in an average year. When thinking about our youngest Tennesseans, gun violence is the number one killer of children who are 17 and younger, according to the TN Department of Health’s 2023 Child Fatality Annual Report. Further, this report highlights that firearm deaths among children were reported as about 36% more than the national average.
Gun violence will not stop if we arm teachers, and there is ample evidence that increased access to guns does not make schools safer. According to Giffords Law Center, armed adults frequently mishandle guns in schools. Their study shows that there have been nearly 100 publicly reported incidents of mishandled guns in schools over the last five years, including a case where a teacher unintentionally fired a gun in class during a safety demonstration and a loaded gun falling out of a teacher’s waistband while on the playground. Gifford’s Law Center’s findings show that armed staff does not decrease the number of school shooting incidents. On the contrary, armed staff increases students’ exposure to gun violence in schools.
The safety and well-being of all students is a top priority for us. However, creating safe learning environments through school hardening policies, including arming teachers, is not the answer. A positive school climate results from building strong teacher-student relationships, creating a culture of belonging, investing in counselors and mental health resources, and fostering a supportive learning environment for social and emotional growth.
Creating a safe school community requires us to take steps to protect students’ from physical harm. Elevating students’ proximity to guns inside their classrooms would unnecessarily exacerbate the risks, threats, and the potential for more deadly outcomes across our state. Further, carrying a concealed gun is confidential and barred from public inspection. Consequently, if this bill passes, then parents would lack critical knowledge about their students’ safety and have no say if their children were close to teachers who were carrying concealed guns in their classroom.
Allowing teachers to carry concealed guns is not a solution to address gun violence in our schools. Tennessee has some of the least restrictive gun laws and one of the nation’s highest rates of gun-related deaths. Creating new policies to loosen restrictions on guns will only create further mechanisms to endanger the lives of our youngest citizens.
Jessica Abarquez
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
Teacher
Antioch
Angelica Acevedo
CALEB
Community Organizer
Chattanooga
Grace Affoumou
University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Student
Nashville
Janine Al-Aseer
Retired
Professor
Knoxville
Addi Alford
Maryville College
Student
Maryville
Brooke Allen
Diverse Learners Cooperative
Executive Director
Nashville
John Andes
Retired
Mount Juliet
Jennifer Andrews
Chamber of Commerce
Manager
Hixson
Catherine Apthorp
Retired
Parent
Nashville
La Kiesha Armstrong
Belmont University
Administrator
Hermitage
Suzy Ascuito
Memphis Shelby County Schools
Teacher
Memphis
Emily Astor
Blount County Schools
Teacher
Maryville
Eric Atkins
Community
Educator
Chattanooga
Miracle Awonuga
Student
Antioch
Ginny Ayers
Retired
Maryville
Ahmedina Bacevac
Self Employed
Teacher
Nashville
Tori Baker
Metro-Nashville Public Schools
Psychologist
Lebanon
Kaitlyn Ballard
Law
Paralegal
Memphis
Amy Baltimore
Tennessee School Counselor Association
Administrator
Murfreesboro
Pamela Banks
Self Employed
Education Consultant
Memphis
Amber Banks
Citizen
Nashville
Laura Bantle
Diverse Learners Cooperative
Project Specialist
Nashville
Alexza Barajas Clark
The Education Trust- Tennessee
Chief of Staff
Nashville
Michael Bardos
International Paper
Software Engineer
Memphis
Michele Barnett
Private School in Nashville
Teacher
Fairview
Megan Barolet Fogarty
Centro Hispano de East Tennessee
Director of Youth & Family Engagement
Knoxville
Corey Bartley
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Abby Barton
Intrepid College Prep
Educator
Nashville
Carlista Barttels
Retired
Kingsport
Patricia Bellingrath
Retired
Knoxville
Kathie Bemis
Retired
Knoxville
Meghan Berindean
Austin Peay State University
Professor
Clarksville
Mihai Berindean
Austin Peay State University
Administrator
Clarksville
Jasmine Bernard
University High
Student
Memphis
Christina Best
Emerald Youth Foundation
Education Specialist
Knoxville
Kat Bike
Knox County
Board of Education
Knoxville
Ruth Black
Hidden Springs Nursery
nursery owner/operator
Cookeville
Judith Black
University of Tennessee medical center
Nurse
Knoxville
Colleen Bland
Retired
Memphis
Erin Block
Self Employed
Director
Nashville
Jasmine Blue
Possip
Customer Relationship Manager
Nashville
Elisabeth Bogart
Grizzlies Prep Charter School
Teacher
Memphis
Eve Boger
Volunteer
Franklin
Virginia Boles
Oak Ridge Schools
Administrator
Oak Ridge
Anita Bolton
Retired
Franklin
Shirley Bondon
Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis
Executive Director
MEMPHIS
Lisa Bowler
Association Partners
Executive
Gallatin
Jamie Boyle
MNPS
Teacher
Nashville
Teresa Bradley
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Gallatin
Heather Brame
Dozen Bakery
Hospitality worker
Nashville
Lindsay Brazier
LWV of Tennessee
Project Manager
Knoxville
Sherry Brewer
Retired
Maryville
Mary Bristow
retired
Brentwood
Lydia Brown
Turn Up Knox
Program Director
Knoxville
Camile Brown
Man Up Teacher Fellowship
Director of Teaching and Learning
Germantown
SHIRLEY BROWN
Retired
Maryville
Amber Brubaker
Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
Teacher
Knoxville
Kathryn Bruce
Franklin County Schools
School librarian
Sewanee
Alexander Bruce
Sewanee: The University of the South – Sewanee, TN
Professor
Sewanee
Walter Buck
Lowe’s
Customer Rep. Lowes home improvement
Cookeville
Bethany Burney
Corner to Corner
Director
Nashville
Breanna Burns
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Student
Knoxville
Gene Burr
Architect (retired)
Knoxville
Lydia Burris
Social Worker
Nashville
Katelynn Byrd
Compass Community Schools
Teacher
Memphis
Margaret Ann Callcott
Retired Educator
Knoxville
Kat Campbell
Self Employed
Consultant
Nashville
Colin Campbell
Dryden
Architect
Nashville
Susan Carr
The Arc TN
Teacher
Decherd
Joshua Carrelo Méndez
Dryden Architecture And Design
Creative Manager + Architect
Nashville
Brenda Carroll
Retired
Knoxville
Adam Carter
Self Employed
Nashville
Patrick Carter
Retired
Mount Juliet
Alayna Cate
Nonprofit
Director
Madison
Vrondelia Chandler
Project GRAD Knoxville
Retired educator
Knoxville
Gussie Cherry
Retired Educator
Knoxville
KrisAnn Christian
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Psychologist
Nashville
Karen Clark
Retired
Social Worker
Knoxville
Susan Clayton
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Smyrna
Ashauna Cleveland
Y12
Systems Engineering Administrator
Knoxville
Debra Clifton
Millington Municipal Schools
Teacher
Millington
Mary Coffey
Diverse Learners Cooperative
Program Director
Nashville
SKaila Colbert
AWAKE TN
Program Director
Murfreesboro
Anna Colburn
Northside Neighborhood House
Community Schools Manager
Chattanooga
Paulette Coleman
Retired
Nashville
Shirley Collins
Retired
Memphis
Sarah Concepcion
Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
Director of Policy and Advocacy
Chattanooga
Rose Connolly
Self Employed
Mother and artist
Nashville
Stephen Connolly
Upstream rehab
Physical therapist
Nashville
James Connor
Connor Consulting Firm
Consultant
Chattanooga
James Connor
Hamilton County Board of Education
Board Member
Chattanooga
Gwenifer Cooper
CASA Nashville
Administrator
Nashville
Melissa Cornejo-Nell
MNPS
Manager
Nashville
Mary Corr
Vanderbilt
Administrator
Nashville
Kathleen Cotter
Self
Nashville
Lauren Covelli
RAND Corporation
Researcher
Nashville
Timon Covelli
Self Employed
Architect
Nashville
Kathy Cowan
Retired
Executive
Memphis
Amy Cox
Knox County
Teacher
Knoxville
Norwood Creech
Self Employed
Artist
Memphis
Katlin Croft Lubeck
Parent
Mt Juliet
Pamela Crowley
Retired Educator
Nashville
Beth Cruz
Vanderbilt Law School
Dean of Public Interest
Nashville
Codi Cummings
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Teacher
White Bluff
Jane Cutbirth
Retired
Franklin
Maisie Dahl
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Mount Juliet
Abigail Davis
Memphis Shelby County Schools
Teacher
Cordova
Rachel Davis
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Student
Knoxville
Rosalind Davis
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Administrator
Memphis
Denise Dean
Self Employed
Executive Director
Jefferson City
Devin Dearmore
Rhodes College
Consultant
Memphis
Calle Dearmore
University of Memphis
Student
Memphis
Erin Dees
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Laura Delgado
Lipscomb University
Program Director
Nashville
Barbara Dentz
Retired
Child health and safety advocate
Franklin
Jennifer DeWall
Metro Schools
educator
Nashville
Kaliaya Dews
MEF
research fellow
Memphis
Anh Dinh
Farragut High School
Student
Knoxville
Mary Claire Dismukes
Belmont University
Educator
Nashville
Heather Dixon
State of TN
Manager
Old Hickory
Michael Djuricin
Retired
Summertown
Binh Doan
Memphis Education Fund
Director
Memphis
Venita Doggett
Memphis Education Fund
Director of Advocacy
Memphis
Lori Donahue
Retired educator
Nashville
Dianne Doochin
Retired
Nashville
Danielle Dorris
Education Non-Profit
Manager
Nashville
Veronica Dougherty
MNPS
Teacher
Nashville
Abigail Dowell
Self Employed
Grant Writer
Nashville
Celeste Duke
Self Employed
seamstress
Nashville
Annie Duran
La Paz Chattanooga
Case Manager
Chattanooga
Amanda Edens
Hamilton County Schools
Teacher
Chattanooga
Jacob Edwards
PIVOT: School Improvement Leaders
Administrator
Knoxville
Jennifer Ellison
Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition
Director
Newport
Sarah Elmore
West Meade Elementary
Parent
Nashville
Ivy Enyenihi
Student
Knoxville
Meg Ereshefsky
Homemaker
Franklin
Bryli Evans
Self Employed
Musician
Lebanon
Charles Everett
FedEx
Administrator
Memphis
Farley Ezekiel
Homemaker
Memphis
Thomas Fagan
retired
Memphis
Bryant Fairley
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Administrator
Ooltewah
GEORGIA FALGOUST
LMS
Tutor
Memphis
Anna Falkner
University of Memphis
Professor
Memphis
Diarra Fall
United Airlines
Senior Analyst
Nashville
Lauren Feder
VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Administrator
Nashville
Celia Ferguson
Retired
Knoxville
Julio Fernandez
Self Employed
Consultant
Antioch
Kate Ferrell
Siloam Health
Social Worker
Nashville
Marilyn Finley
Retired
Advertising
Maryville
Patti Fite
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Patricia Fontenot-Ridley
Knox County Schools
Teacher
Knoxville
Rev. Scherry Fouke
Retired
Clergy
Morristown
Kenton Fourman
Retired
Brentwood
Addison Fout
Maryville College
Student
Loudon
John Fowler
Babynov
Quality Assurance Manager
Cookeville
Sherry Franks
Jmcss
School board member
Jackson
Angela Frederick
Tennessee Association of School Librarians
Librarian
Smyrna
Taylor Fredette
Self Employed
Retail
Spring Hill
Suzanne Freeman
Retired
Teacher
Knoxville
Penny Frere
Retired
Nashville
Kaki friskics-warren
New Covenant Christian Church
Clergy
nashville
Indya Furlong
Wcs
Teacher
Nolensville
Megan Galloway
TN Voices
FSS
Chapel Hill
Amy Galloway
PIVOT
Education related non profit ED
Nashville
Brenda Gamache
Retired
Seymour
Victoria Gamez
Middle Tennessee State University
Student
Decherd
Lizet Garcia
Self Employed
Carlsbad
Paul Garner
Self-Employed
Artist
Memphis
Kristin Garvey
Libertas School of Memphis
Teacher
Cordova
Janet Geater
Memphis
Julia Gentry
Electric Peak Creative
Videographer / Video Editor
Madison
Maggie George
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Librarian
Beechgrove
Diarese George
TECA
Executive
Clarksville
Malik George
Middle College at Austin Peay State University
Student
Clarksville
Maggie George
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Librarian
Beechgrove
Lorena Georger
Save the Children Action Network
advocate
Cosby, Tennessee
Madonna Ghaly
Metro Nashville Public schools
Psychologist
Smyrna
Demetria Giles
Self Employed
Consultant
Nashville
Kathi Gilleland
Self Employed
Nashville
Sara Glascock
Social Worker
Madison
Sam and Diane Glasgow
retired pathologist and teacher
Cookeville
Ben Gold
Researcher
Nashville
Mindy Gold
Self Employed
Consultant
Nashville
Ngodoo Golden
Student
Antioch
Christopher Golden
City of Hendersonville
Firefighter
Antioch
Bridget Golden
Belmont University
Director
Hendersonville
Corey Goldstein
University of Memphis
Marketing
Germantown
Celia Goldstein
Self Employed
Speech-Language Pathologist
Brentwood
Chris Gonzalez
Lipscomb University
Professor
Nashville
Gail Gonzalez
Self Employed
Nashville
Nancy Gonzalez
Fulton High School
Teacher
Knoxville
Vilmaris Gonzalez
College Board
Director
Nashville
Raympnd Gotko
Retired
Sewanee
Debby Gould
Retired
Nashville
Makenzie Graham
Stand for Children Tennessee
Communications Manager
Memphis
Tamara Grang
Mnps
Teacher
Gallatin
Mindy Grantham
Retired teacher
Nashville
Kay Gray
Retired
Nashville
Haley Greenwell
Memphis CHILD, Le Bonheur
Manager
Memphis
Rachel Grider
MNPS
Psychologist
Hermitage
Heather Guthrie
Manager
Nashville
Samantha Gutter
Self Employed
Consultant
Nashville
Amy Hale
Morristown-Hamblen Library
Public librarian
Morristown
Marilee Hall
Self
Artist
Cookeville
Lindsey Hamilton
Nashville Teacher Residency
Director
Nashville
Jackie Hansom
Vanderbilt University
Teacher
Nashville
Lisa Harris
Retired
Memphis
Betsy Harris
Blount County Schools
Teacher
Maryville
Joyce Harrison
Memphis Shelby County Schools
Educator
Memphis
Sharon Hart
Retired
Butler
Gabriel Hart
Jackson-Madison County School System
Instructional Coach
Jackson
Sharon Hart
Retired
Butler
Therese Hartwell
Retired
Nolensville
Joey Hassell
Milan Special School District
Director, Career-Technical Education
Brownsville
Elijah Hawkins-Burnette
HVA
student
Knoxville
Ronald Heady
Retired Public School Teacher
Nashville
Sandy Heinrich
Retired
Nashville
Vanessa Helbig
Youth Serving Organization
Executive
Hermitage
Dr. Lisa Henry
Gestalt Community Schools
Managing Director of School Operations
Cordova
Katie Hernandez
MNPS
Teacher
Mount Juliet
Carmen Hicks
Retired
Knoxville
Jennifer Hill
Persist Nashville
Chief of Staff
Nashville
Patti Hilton
Retired
Nashville
Caroline Hiskey
Student
Nashville
Katherine Hofstetter
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Director
Nashville
Emily Holtz
University of Tennessee
Assistant Professor
Knoxville
HUILI HONG
Vanderbilt
Teacher
Nashville
Bruce Horn
Retired
Crossville
Bailey Horton
jaspers
Partner
Antioch
Gwen Howard
State
Administrator
Hixson
Evelyn Hoyt
Metro Nashville
Communications
Nashville
Sara Hudgens
retired
Cookeville
Gregg Hudlestone
Retired
Gray
Julia Hudson
N/a
Murfreesboro
Maegen Hughes
nonprofit
Administrator
Nashville
Evelyn Hunter
City of Chattanooga
Librarian
Chattanooga
Ember Hunter
UTK
Student
Knoxville
Evelyn Hunter
City of Chattanooga
Librarian
Chattanooga
Betsy Hurst
Hola Lakeway
Executive
Morristown
Merritt Ireland
Retired
Artist
Cookeville
Frank Irwin
Maryville City Schools
Retired teacher, principal & system administrator
Knoxville
Warveen Ismail
Hca
Accountant
Antioch
Arielle Ivanov
middle tennessee state university
student
Murfreesboro
Wilson Jackson
Retired
Crossville
Susanne Jackson
Retired
Memphis
ShaErica Jackson
MNPS
Psychologist
Hendersonville
Lexus Jackson
Chicos
Manager
Knoxville
Susanne Jackson
Retired
Memphis
Dametraus Jaggers
University
Executive
Clarksville
Laurie Jarrell
MNPS
School Psychologist
Hermitage
Elise Jenkins
Ella’s House
Executive Director
Nashville
Kayla Jernigan
Vision Prep Charter School
Teacher
Brighton
Letishia Johnson
Nashville Classical Charter
Teacher
White House
Taylor Johnson
Sumner County Board of Education
Librarian
Hendersonville
Katava Johnson
Diverse Learners Cooperative
Consultant
Cordova
Sue Johnson
Retired
Nashville
Neshellda Johnson
Memphis Shelby County Schools
teacher
Memphis
Carol Johnson Dean
Retired
Cordova
Jon Jonakin
Tennessee Technological University
Retired Professor
Cookeville
Calista Joned
Maryville College
Student
Maryville
Ted Jones
Self Employed
psychologist
Knoxville
Leah Jones
N/A
Vendor
Nolensville
Sherryl Kasper
Retired
Knoxville
Kaige Keck
Target
Retail
Hermitage
Ariel Keller
The Education Trust – TN
Public Policy Fellow
Nashville
Seamus Kelly
Music City Law PLLC
Lawyer
Berry Hill
Jamie Kelly
KCS
Teacher
Knoxville
Laura Kelly
Rhodes College
Professor
Memphis
Brittnee Kennedy
KIPP Nashville
Principal
Smyrna
Emily Kenyon
Retail Corporation
Barista
Gordonsville
Abigail Key
MNPS
Teacher
Nashville
Lindsey Kimery
Employed
Librarian
Franklin
Lindsey Kimery
Katie King
Farragut High School
School Counselor
Farragut
Sherry King
Rutherford County Schools
Principal
Eagleville
Shalonda Kirk
UTK
Therapist
Knoxville
Jacqueline Komos
Nct
Teacher
Hermitage
Rachel Kramer
Chattanooga 2.0
Director of Data Strategy and Impact
Stephanie Krefman
Eps
Marketing
Brentwood
Katja Krieger
Ed Trust
Government Affairs Intern
Nashville
Elizabeth Krogman
Retired Teacher
Nashville
Natalie Kurylo
Self Employed
Knoxville
Kristin Labs
Public Education Foundation
Program Manager
Chattanooga
Daisney Lacroix
Analyst
Nashville
Christina LaFreniere
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Student
Knoxville
Xan Lasko
Rutherford County Schools
Librarian
Murfreesboro
Claudia Lawhon
Metro Arts
Program Coordinator
Nashville
Forrest Laws
Retired
Writer
Arlington
Vanessa Lazon
Metro Nashville Public Schools
EL Family & Community Specialist
Antioch
Jessica Lee
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Manager
Nashville
Olivia Leventhal
Student
Office Manager / Part Time student
Germantown
Kelli Lewis
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Psychologist
Nashville
Caroline Lewis
Book’em (also a parent of MNPS students)
Reading Programs Coordinator
Brentwood
Zakkiyya Lewis
LEAD Public Schools
Revenue Manager
Spring Hill
Hannah Little
Librarian
Christiana
Marsha Livingston
Retired
Clinton
Tori Long
N/A
Memphis
Olivia Looper
Rutherford County
Librarian
Smyrna
Charity Loput
Large Hospital System
Pharmacist
Nashville
Michael Lundholm
Prisma Nashville
Estimator
Franklin
Susan Maguigan
Retired
Murfreesboro
Sharyn Mahoney
Rejoice School of Ballet
Executive Director
Nashville
Sara Malin
VUMC
Manager
Nashville
Tamera Malone
Teacher
Memphis
Ashley Mangold
Murfreesboro City Schools
Teacher
Murfreesboro
Alexa Maqueo Toledo
EdTrust – TN
College Access Educator
Knoxville
Jordan Mareno
Vanderbilt University
Student
Nashville
Jessica Márquez Muñoz
LiUNA
Administrador
Nashville
Caroline Martin
Director
Nashville
Ashley Martinez
N.I.C.E
Youth Education
Murfreesboro
Amanda Martinez
JE Woodard Elementary
Teacher
Columbia
Lillian T. Mashburn
Retired
Knoxville
Robbin Masters
TDOE
Project Manager
Nashville
Betty Matheny
Carson Newman University
Retired educator
Knoxville
KG Mathews
Cellular Sales
Writer
Knoxville
Joe Mathews
Maryville College
Student
Lebanon
Amelia May
Delk-Henson Intermediate School Library
Librarian
Lewisburg
Naomi Mayor
MNPS
school psychologist
Nashville
Jennie McConnell
Self Employed
Teacher
Murfreesboro
Megan McCormick
School
Teacher
Madison
Melynda McCormick
Unemployed
Columbia
Nick McCoy
Vanderbilt University
Student
Schaumburg
Dana McCraw
Nashville
Teacher
Nashville
Sandra McCrea
Retired
Chattanooga
Jo McDaniel
Abintra Montessori School
Teacher
Ashland City
Linda McFadyen-Ketchum
Retired
Nashville
Kenya McGruder
Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Director
Nashville
Allison McIndoo
United Way of Greater Chattanooga
Nonprofit fundraiser
Chattanooga
Gracie McKee
Maryville College
Student
Knoxville
Edward McKinney
MNPS
Teacher
Antioch
Kelly McKnight
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Psychologist
Antioch
Diana Medina
Student
Antioch
Claire Meggs
Retired
Knoxville
Candelaria Mendoza
Lipscomb University
Student
Antioch
Kelly Messerly
Rutherford County Schools
Teacher
Smyrna
Sonny Metoki
Ed Trust
Analyst
Nashville
Alane Micalizzi
Maxim Healthcare Services
Psychologist
Murfreesboro
Meredith Middlebrooks
Self Employed
Teacher
Nashville
Brittnie Miles
Lab solutions
Scientist
Clarksville
Jasmine Miller
Youth Law Center
Attorney
Nashville
Tatiana Miller
Education
Teacher
Hermitage
Jessica Miller
School
Teacher
Memphis
Casey Minshall
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Teacher
Nashville
Debbie Mitchell
Retired
Public School Teacher
Louisville
Gwendolyn Moore
Retired
Nashville
Cathy Moran
Teacher
Cookeville
Allan Morgan
Self
Retired
Knoxville
Natalie Morosi
Aventura Community School
School Director
Nashville
Melinda Morton
Williamson County Schools
Librarian
Fairview
Donna Mosby
Retired
Oak Ridge
Ryan Moss
McAlpine
Architect
Nashville
Rebecca Murdoch
Vanderbilt
Student
Nashville
June Murry
Retired
Administrator
Jackson
Carol Nanney
McKenzie High School
teacher
Mc Kenzie
Bonnie Nappo
Social Services
Mom
Madison
Jennifer Nelson
Self Employed
Nashville
Hajar Nelson
Shelby County
Administrator
Cordova
Andrew Nessari
University of Tennessee: Knoxville
Student
Hendersonville
Phyllis Nichols
Retired
President & CEO
Knoxville
Amanda Nicholson
Self employed
Writer
Madison
Lindsey Nobles
Onsite
Marketing
Nashville
Kelly Noser
Noser Consulting LLC
Consultant
Nashville
Jennifer Novo
FUTURO
Executive
Mt. Juliet
Kelli Nowers
AWAKE
Executive Director
Nashville
Lisa Nowers
Retired
Nashville
Jennifer Noyed
HCA/Parallon
Registered Nurse
Nashville
Carolin O’Connor
Education Strategy Group
Consultant
Nashville
Ellen O’Neal
HCA Healthcare
Community Engagement
NASHVILLE
Andrew O’Sullivan
JH
Network engineer
Memphis
Leigha Oakley
Lebanon High School
Student
Lebanon
Becca Oberlander
Self Employed
Manager
Nashville
Susan B OConnor
Retired
Cookeville
Oliver Orellana
Lipscomb University
Student
Nashville
Dr. Carl Owens
Retired
Professor
Cookeville
Logan Owens
Cool Beans Co. & Sorelles Italian Restaurant
Barista & Server
Murfreesboro
Sandra Paiz
Student
Knoxville
Amelia Pant
Planned Parenthood of TN and North MS
Organizer
Murfreesboro
Kim Pardue
Maury county schools
Teacher
Columbia
John Pardue
Student Columbia Central High School
Student
Columbia
Curtis Pardue
GM
Autoworker
Columbia
Sofia Paredes
Student
Knoxville
Shandus Parish
IVX Health
Human Resources
Franklin
Dustin Park
Jupiter Entertainment
Post Production Manager
Maryville
Erika Parrish
Public School District
Project Manager
Memphis
Jarrah Paschall
MPHD
Nurse
Nashville
Cordelia Patterson
Metro Nashville public schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Madison Payne
Self Employed
Filmmaker
Cordova
Shawn Pelletier
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nurse
Nashville
Kristin Perry
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Hendersonville
Rita Perry
Jackson Madsion County Schools
Teacher
Jackson
Nicholas Petersen
Vanderbilt
Graduate student
Nashville
Cindy Pfister
Vanderbilt
Professor
Nashville
Jerry Pfister
A.O. Smith Corporation
Retired VP Manufacturing
Nashville
Cindy Pfister
Vanderbilt
Professor
Nashville
Jane Pfitzenmaier
MSCS
school. psychologist
Memphis
Savannah Pflueger
Self Employed
Administrator
Mount Juliet
Tara Phillips
Tennessee Democracy Network
Social Worker
Hixson
Erin Pickhard
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nurse
Franklin
Kelly Piepmeier
Retired
Retired
Cookeville
Kelly Pietkiewicz
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Scholarship Coordinator
Nashville
Linda Pillow
Retired
Signal Mountain
Lauren Pinkston
Self
Academic
Columbia
Saundra Pitt
Blount County Schools
Teacher
Maryville
Betty Pittard
BP Consulting
President
Chattanooga
Sara Plambeck
Stylist
Nashville
Britney Plumley
The Education Trust – Tennessee
Communications Associate
Nashville
Christy Plummer
Signing as a citizen of Nashville
Teacher
Nashville
Emlyn Polatty
Tulane
Student
Memphis
Allison Polidor
Self Employed
writer
Nashville
Katherine Pollman
Memphis Education Fund
Research Manager
Memphis
Rosa Ponce
Organizer
Clarksville
Haleigh Portillo
Nashville State Community College
Advisor
Gallatin
Alan Portillo
Mnps
Teacher
Gallatin
Anita Poulton
Retired
Goodlettsville
Anita Poulton
Retired
Goodlettsville
Meili Powell
Ed Trust TN
Assistant Director of Advocacy & Engagement
Nashville
Varahi Prashant
University of TN, Knoxville
Student
Knoxville
Jennifer Prince
Metro Nashville Public schools
Teacher
Goodlettsville
Michelle Prinzo
MNPS
Teacher
Nashville
Gini Pupo-Walker
The Education Trust – Tennessee
Executive Director
Nashville
Leslie Qualls-Lambert
MNPS – Nashville, TN
School Psychologist Intern
Nashville
Revida Rahman
Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
Insurance Claims
Brentwood
Melanie Raybon
Hamilton County Schools
Teacher
Chattanooga
Morgan Reavis
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Jean Reeves
Memphis Shelby County Schools
School Psychologist
Memphis
Marharet Rein
Retired
Nolensville
Barbara Reynolds
Retired
Cookeville
Erin Richardson
Advocate
Nashville
Julie Richardson
St. Jude
Pharmacist
Memphis
Erin Richardson
Advocate
Nashville
Linda Hall Richey
Retired
Professor
Cookeville
Susan Richter
Self Employed
Business owner
Nashville
Maryanne Rieder
UpRise Nashville
Program Coordinator
Nashville
Celeste Riley
MSCS
Teacher
Arlington
Loretta Rittle
Retired
Nashville
Jill Robbins
VUMC
Registered Nurse
Nashville
Maia Roberson
Joli Jardin
Floral Design Assistant
Chattanooga
Ashley Roberson
State of Tennessee
Administrator
Nashville
Holley Roberts
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Sarah Robinson
Lipscomb Academy
Teacher
Franklin
Aree Robinson
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
Psychologist
Murfreesboro
Dante Roddy
Maryville College
Student
Maryville
Precious Rodgers
State of TN
State Employee
Cookeville
Kim Rollins
CMCSS
School Counselor
Clarksville
Mary Rolman
Student
Dickson
Alece Ronzino
Self Employed
Owner
Nashville
Hannah Rosenstein
University of Maryland
Manager
Germantown
Michael Rossi
PENCIL
Data Analyst
Nashville
Sarah Rudolph
MNPS
Teacher
Nashville
Pam Rummage
Columbia
Megan Rummagw
Maury County Public Schools
Teacher
Columbia
Sharmeen Russell
Operations
Walls
Julie S
Sumner County Schools
Social Worker
Hendersonville
Tyler Sainato
Librarian
Old Hickory
Joshua Sales
RePublic High School
Teacher
Pegram
Brittany Santiago
University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
Student
Chattanooga
Jennifer Sauer
KCS
Teacher
Knoxville
Natalie Schilling
AWAKE TN
Associate
Nashville
Natalie Schilling
AWAKE TN
Associate
Nashville
Kim Schmetzer
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Psychologist
Antioch
Ashley Schmidt
Education non-profit
Communications Director
Nolensville
Haly Scott
University of TN knoxville
Student
Knoxville
Joann Selvidge
Self Employed
Artist
Memphis
Brooke Seraphine
Benchmark
Realtor
Nashville
James Shaw
Retired
Jackson
Daniel Shearon
Duncan Parnell
Trainer
Shelbyville
Vanessa Sheehan
Retired
Gallatin
Elizabeth Shepherd
Murfreesboro City Schools
Teacher Librarian
Murfreesboro
Arik Shur
Parent
Nashville
Melissa Sidney
MNPS
School Psychologist
Franklin
Emily Sika
Self Employed
Teacher
Nashville
Sarah Simonovich
Public School middle TN
Teacher
College Grove
Kayla Sims
Accenture
Consultant
Nashville
An’Gel Sims
Suburban and Urban Real Estate Services LLC
Real Estate Broker
Nashville
Samantha Singer
Glencliff High School
Teacher
Nashville
Jennifer Smith
Nashville
Barbara Smith
Retired
Crossville
Jessica Smith
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Psychologist
Nashville
Sheri Smith
Franklin County School District
School Counselor
Winchester
Rachel Smuts
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Teacher
Nashville
Alyssa Soejima
Purpose Preparatory Academy
Teacher
Hendersonville
Casey Souders
MNPS
Analyst
Franklin
Elizabeth Sowell
Franklin County Schools
Teacher
Sewanee
Sean Spence
Self Employed
Nolensville
Melissa Spradlin
Book’em (but signing as an individual)
Executive
Franklin
Vanessa Spratling
Oak Ridge
Lorraine Stallworth
MNPS
Educator
Antioch
Mrs. Katobwa Stallworth
Self Employed
Administrator
Clarksville
Kristy Starks-Winn
Knox County Schools
Former Teacher
Knoxville
Kaitlin Steer
Nashville Repertory Theater
Artist
Nashville
Michael Stein
Coffee County Schools
Teacher
Manchester
Kenneth Stephenson
Retired
Knoxville
Savannah Stewart
Student
Knoxville
Mirabelle Stoedter
Retired
Nashville
Be Stone
Rhodes College
Professor
Memphis
Karen Stuart
Retired
MEMPHIS
Leah Susi
Education based LEA
Parent
Goodlettsville
Radion Svynarenko
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Research Assistant Professor
Knoxville
Millie Sweeney
FREDLA
Director
Joelton
Faye Sweet
Nashville
Gloria Sweet-Love
Retired
Administrator
Jackson
Soureya Syharath
Middle Tennessee State University
Student
Murfreesboro
Emily Taubken
Memphis Teacher Residency
Educational Leader
Memphis
Kyle Taubken
Self employed
Videographer
Memphis
Tanisha Taylor
Clarksville Montgomery County Schools
Teacher
Clarksville
Connie Taylor
Connie Taylor Counseling
Therapist
BRENTWOOD
Tanisha Taylor
Clarksville Montgomery County Schools
Teacher
Clarksville
Margaret Taylor
A Step Ahead
Director
Jackson
Anita Teague
Community Development Center
Nonprofit Management
Smyrna
Eritrea Temesghen
BRIDGES, USA
Manager
Memphis
Maddox Thigpen
The University of Tennessee
Student
Lebanon
Lori Thomas
Ascension
Radiation Therapist
Gallatin
Zaia Thombre
Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance
Director
Hermitage
Seth Thorpe
Belmont University
Student
Nashville
Rhonda Thorson
Retired Teacher
Nashville
Erik Thorson
Nashville
Lauren Timmerman
Memphis Shelby County Schools
Teacher
Memphis
Benjamin Tomlin
Self Employed
Artist
Franklin
Stephanie Trawick
Sumner Schools
Social Worker
Hendersonville
Joaquiha Treece
Retired
JOHNSON CITY
Kristen Trimboli
MNPS
School Psychologist
Nashville
Susan Tuberville
Self Employed
Teacher
Germantown
Wendy Tucker
Center for Learner Equity
Policy advisor
New York
Amanda Tucker-Dye
Metro Nashville Public Schools
School Librarian
Hendersonville
Betty Turner
Retired
Memphis
Anna Tursich
Retired
Sneedville
Rebecca Van de Ven
Franklin County
Teacher
Sewanee
Christopher Van de Ven
University of the South
Instructor and Lab Manager
Sewanee
Rebecca Van de Ven
Franklin County
Teacher
Sewanee
Jill VanWormer
MCPS
Teacher
Columbia
Kaitlyn Varni
Intrr
Teacher
Columbia
Mary Vaughan
massage therapist
Nashville
Marjorie Vaulx
Retired Educator
Stanton
Kenneth Wallace
Retired
Pastor
Sparta
JANE WALLING
MNPS
Teacher
Nashville
Cassie Warner
Cumberland County Schools
Teacher
Crossville
Ayanna Watkins
Idlewild Elementary
Parent
Memphis
Peggy Watkins
Shelby County Schools
Public School advocate
Memphis
Stephen Watts
YWCA Nashville
Political Advocate
Goodlettsville
Marci Weaver
Self employed
Mental health therapist
Signal Mountain
Tatiyana Webb
Green Dot
Teacher
Collierville
Suzet Webster
Parent
Nashville
Theresa Weingartner
Retired school RN
Brentwood
Olga Welch
Retired
Knoxville
Carol Westlake
Tennessee Disability Coalition
Executive
Nashville
Martha Wettemann
State of TN
Statistical Supervisor
Pleasant View
Beverly Whalen-Schmeller
MNPS
Psychologist
Nashville
Anita White
Mairy County Schools
Teacher
Columbia
Glenda Whitfield
Retired
Oak Ridge
Cynthia Williams
Unemployed
Gallatin
Amy Williams
Business Professional
Nashville
Kristin Willocks
Metro Nashville Public School
School Psychologist
Nashville
Robin Wills
MNPS
Psychologist
Lebanon
Betsy Wolf
Sevier County Schools
Teacher
Knoxville
Kaiya Wychgel
Memphis Rise Academy
Teacher
Memphis
Carmen H Yanez
Maryville
Jesus L Yanez
Self Employed
Maryville
Espy Yanez
Nashville Metro
Attorney
Nashville
Genna Yonge
Vanderbilt University
Student
Nashville
Tania Zalazar
Antioch High School
Teacher
Nashville
Maria Paula Zapata
Conexion Americas
Director
Nashville
Jiayin Zhou
Vanderbilt University
student
Nashville
Emily Zibart
Bridgestone Americas
Attorney
Nashville
Andrea Zielke
Self Employed
Administrator
Nashville