MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Educator:
Public school educators face unique challenges. Nearly every day teachers must deal with diverse laws
related to issues such as child abuse, student discipline, negligence, defamation, student records, and
copyright infringement. You need an organization that understands the daily reality educators face,
as well as the political landscape and the cultural environment. That is why Professional Educators of
Tennessee is the fastest-growing, non-partisan organization for educators in the state focused on you to
effectively prepare students for their future.
The demands of the real world are continuously changing. The World Economic Forum estimates 65
percent of children today will end up in careers that don’t even exist yet and for which schools are not
preparing them. Let that sink in for a minute: the vast majority of children in school will end up in careers
that do not even exist today.
We know the future is not fixed – and that people, by working together, can shape it for the better. I think
the same is true of the teaching profession: people working together can shape it for the better.
Too often I see the education community put up walls. Walls between school systems and communities.
Walls between school administration and teachers. Walls between teachers and other teachers. Walls
between teachers and students. It is time to tear the walls down. It is time that we create the change
that our schools, teachers, and students need. Tennessee has an incredibly talented teacher workforce.
We know that teachers have the single biggest impact on our students, and it is our responsibility to help
you grow and cultivate your talent
You need an organization that
through our innovative professional
learning and development.
understands the daily reality educators
We must make sure public education
face, as well as the political landscape
is viewed as a significant part of the
and the cultural environment.
choice that parents will make for
their children moving forward. The best and brightest students in our communities should know that our
public education system will work for them. The underserved and poor in our communities should know
that our public education system can work for them. Every parent in our communities should know that
they have a role in making sure our public education system works for their children.
In order to improve, we have to be willing to innovate and challenge the status quo. That’s true whether it
is in business or education. This means at the state level our focus must be on providing the flexibility and
freedom for educators and education leaders at all levels to try new things that will help improve student
achievement and success. Our goal as a state should be to give every child the opportunity to receive a
high-quality education, in order to build a skilled workforce for the 21st century global economy.
Success is not left to chance - it’s a matter of choice. We must make the choices that benefit our state,
our communities, our schools, our educators, and especially our children. You have made a choice to join
Professional Educators of Tennessee. As an educator you are also a consumer
and should expect quality services at an affordable price. We will continuously
work to earn your trust and your support.
Our educators’ professional liability insurance and employment rights
protection are unmatched. Our member services and discounts will save you
money, and our state office staff and resources will be there when you need
them. If you are not a member, we would like to take this opportunity to invite
you to join us as we grow and become an even stronger voice for professional
educators in our state.
Thank You!
Executive Director