Calling the Shots with TSSAA

In today's episode, we will discuss Oak Ridge Schools Wildcat Manufacturing Program – a year-long capstone course at Oak Ridge High School that functions as a student-run Work-Based Learning (WBL) small business offering advanced design, manufacturing, and automation services for local businesses. Students undergo interviews to become "employees" of Wildcat Manufacturing and oversee all aspects of the business, including customer discovery, ideation, product design, cost estimation, project management, manufacturing, delivery and billing while earning college credit as a Dual Enrollment course with Roane State Community College.   Listen today to learn how to create a similar program in your school district.

In today's episode, Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Deputy Superintendent of Knox County Schools and Mayor Glenn Jacobs of Knox County, discuss how the students of Knox County Schools and the local government collaborate to raise money in an effort to meet the needs of military veterans in this local community by constructing a tiny home community. Learn how this collective effort of hard-work and fund-raising are changing lives in Knox County. Listen today to learn how to create a similar program in your district.

In today's episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Jackson-Madison County Schools and Pastor Garry Martin of Jackson First Assembly of God, a local church in Jackson, TN, discuss how the students of Jackson-Madison County Schools, the local church, and community at-large have come together to raise money in an effort to meet the needs of the students and families within their community experiencing homelessness. Learn how this collective effort of hard-work and fund-raising have bolstered wide-spread awareness, compassion, diligence, generosity, and net-working to meet the needs of local students in Jackson-Madison County Schools. Listen today to learn how to create a similar program in your school district.

In this episode, David Baker, TSBA President-Elect and Hardin County Vice Chairman, discusses what it means to lead from the second chair. Tune in as we explore what it means to be the Vice Chairman as well as have a strong working relationship with the Chairman as well as being in a supportive role during each board meeting. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and its impact on students, schools, and communities across the state. Mark Reeves, Executive Director of TSSAA, shares insights on how TSSAA supports both athletic excellence and academic integrity. Tune in as we explore what it means to lead, play, and grow through school sports – and why it's about so much more than just the scoreboard. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In this episode, we join Missy Testerman, Rogersville City School, as she discusses her achievement as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and shares her journey from the classroom to national recognition. Tune in as she provides insights into her teaching philosophy, innovative practices, and strategies on building meaningful connections to students, families, and community. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of "Ask the Attorney" focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from "what is the function of the policy committee" to "how can a board member propose a policy change" are tackled during today's episode. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that's empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White County Schools; Candice Allen, A/V Teacher at White County Schools; and Cameron Dronebarger, A/V Teacher at White County Schools, and explore how the program started, the valuable experiences it offers, and the impressive projects students have produced. This episode is a must-listen! WarriorTV Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

In this episode, we're excited to discuss TSBA's latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it's essential for school board members to stay informed. Whether you're an AI novice or already exploring its possibilities, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical guidance to navigate this rapidly evolving field. Tune in to discover how this resource empowers school board members to embrace the opportunities—and challenges—of artificial intelligence in education! Click here to access the TSBA AI Toolkit. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.

Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton County) welcome all new school board members and share words of advice when navigating the first few years of service on the Board.   Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode.