From the Nashville Public Education Foundation’s (NPEF) newsletter:
Are you or do you know someone who is an eligible educator who demonstrates excellence in leadership, instruction, or student success and opportunity? If so, submit an application. Applicants will undergo a rigorous application process, including a judging panel of public education stakeholders. Only 25 educators will be selected as winners and receive a $2,000 check, trophy, reception hosted by Vanderbilt University, and a round-trip flight courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
The application is open for eligible educators through August 17, 2026.
The Nashville Bannerreports on a change in the way pre-K classrooms are structured in Nashville, using the case of Inglewood Elementary.
At a school like Inglewood, with a high enrollment of Black, white and Latino students and kids from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, separating the pre-K students by income had the unintended result of separating them by race.
Inglewood Elementary’s PTA spent the past school year rallying to urge Metro Nashville Public Schools to change its funding policy for pre-K classrooms. With the support of Inglewood teachers and administration, parents raised concerns that separating students by income — and sometimes, as a result, race — is inequitable and violates decades of research on the educational benefits of diverse early learning environments.
After a series of letters and meetings with district representatives and school board members, the district agreed. Pre-K students of all income levels will learn side-by-side starting next school year — not just at Inglewood but at all MNPS preschools with this funding structure.
TC Weber talks about what makes success in schools possible:
Metro Nashville Public Schools loves to celebrate the exceptional achievements of its student body. Every district does. Test score gains get packaged into press releases. Graduation rates become hashtags. State recognitions become LinkedIn celebrations for administrators and consultants.
But I can promise you this: ninety-five percent of student success comes from two things — individual hard work and a meaningful connection with a teacher willing to work every bit as hard as the student does.
And here’s the part central office rarely highlights: the system itself often makes both the student and the teacher jump through hoops in order to excel.
That’s where good principals matter.
A truly good principal creates the conditions for success. They protect teachers from unnecessary nonsense. They give educators the freedom and support to do extraordinary things. They recognize that education isn’t produced by a spreadsheet alignment meeting or a slogan printed on a banner. It’s produced by human beings building trust with other human beings.
The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) will hold its Annual Public Schools Hall of Fame luncheon on August 27th at 11:30 AM at the Music City Center.
The event will honor outstanding Nashville educators, leaders, and community members.
The newsletter of the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) notes:
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents has selected MNPS Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle as the 2026 Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year. The good news was announced while she was being honored during a TOSS Mid-Cumberland Superintendents’ Study Council.
TOSS Executive Director Dr. Gary Lilly remarked, “Dr. Battle is truly leading the region in the impact she is having on students in Nashville…This award is a recognition from her peer superintendents in Mid-Cumberland of years’ worth of innovation and service.”
Dr. Battle is the first MNPS graduate to lead the district, and the first woman in the role. In addition to the Superintendent of the Year award, she has recently received the following recognitions:
Excellence in Family Engagement Award from AASA and National PTA.
A distinguished alumni honor from Missouri State University.
A new University of Tennessee, Knoxville partnership providing full-tuition scholarships to MNPS students.
The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) announced its 2026 Public Schools Hall of Fame honorees:
The Nashville Public Education Foundation is proud to share the five inspiring honorees for the 22nd Public Schools Hall of Fame Luncheon. Categorized by Inspiring Educator, Inspiring Leader, and Inspiring Innovation, the honorees are Quanita Adams, Kevin Stevens, Dr. Michael Pratt, DYMON in the Rough (Dynamic Young Minorities of Nashville), and Girls Write Nashville.
“As bold supporters of Nashville’s public education system, it is essential to recognize the courageous individuals who champion students, enhance academic settings, strengthen our communities, and cultivate a better future for generations to come,” expressed Wanda Lyle, NPEF Board Chair. “We are thrilled to welcome attendees to the Hall of Fame in August and share in an afternoon of inspiration.”
From the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF):
This week, the Teacherpreneur 2026 cohort members will pitch their challenge-facing, solution-bringing ideas before a panel of judges on Pitch Night. Three of the 12 cohort members will claim first, second, and third place, based on their pitches. And one cohort member will receive the Community Favorite Award–that’s where you come in!
Voting is now open for the Community Favorite Award! Based on your votes, this winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500 to reward their dedication to addressing challenges and increasing opportunities for student success.
An email from the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) offers the following information about the 2026 Public Schools Hall of Fame:
The Nashville Public Education Foundation invites you to save the date for the 22nd Public Schools Hall of Famecelebration on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Music City Center!
Chaired by Gini-Pupo-Walker and Hal Cato, the signature event recognizes Metro Nashville Public School educators and alumni who exemplify the best of public education through their personal and professional endeavors. This chairing duo embodies the values of the celebration in their respective personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to Nashville.
Pupo-Walker is the Director of National Education Strategy for the Raikes Foundation, where she leads the development and implementation of their grantmaking strategy for their K-12 and higher education portfolios. She was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2020 Public Schools Hall of Fame.
Cato is the CEO of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the region’s leader in philanthropic activity and civic connection that cultivate strong communities. He received the Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award at the 2023 Public Schools Hall of Fame.
