Tennessee Educational Cooperative

06/09/2026

Be part of something great! Join our team!

Join TEC and be part of an amazing team of professionals who are passionate about serving students and supporting schools! Please share!

06/05/2026

Recently, we came across the inspiring story of Elizabeth Bonker, a nonverbal autistic woman who graduated as valedictorian of her college class and delivered her speech using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Her journey is a powerful reminder that communication comes in many forms — and every voice deserves to be heard.

Too often, people underestimate individuals simply because they communicate differently. Elizabeth’s success shows what is possible when barriers are removed, supports are provided, and individuals are given the tools and opportunities they deserve.

At TEC, we are proud to help open doors every day through our agency programs. Whether it is providing communication devices, adaptive tools, training, advocacy, or individualized support, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to learn, connect, grow, and share their voice with the world.

Communication is more than spoken words. It is connection, expression, independence, and belonging.

Stories like Elizabeth’s remind us why this work matters so much. 💙

Check out her speech:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8g5aJExZQwg

Rollins College’s 2022 Valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker, who is affec...

06/03/2026

Join TEC and be part of an amazing team of professionals who are passionate about serving students and supporting schools! Please share!

05/11/2026

TEC wants to send a huge congratulations to one of our own. Ms. Arabella Geames graduated from Loudon High School and is now on her way to Lees-McRae College to continue her academic and softball journey. Bella is part of our AT Project team, and we are super proud of her achievements!

05/05/2026

Leann Cooper, a visiting artist from the Knoxville Museum of Art, worked with TEC extended learning students from Sweetwater Elementary School and Lenoir City Intermediate/Middle School.

Students gained valuable insight into Catherine Wiley, an Impressionist artist whose work is featured at KMA, and applied their learning by creating their own artwork in the Impressionist style. The museum further supported this experience by providing all necessary materials through its Meet the Masters program, ensuring a fully immersive and hands-on learning opportunity.

05/04/2026

Happy teacher appreciation week to all the fabulous teachers!

You don’t just teach lessons—you build confidence, spark growth, and change lives in ways that often go unseen but never go unfelt.

To every teacher we serve and work alongside: thank you for your dedication to students, your commitment to excellence, and the lasting impact you make in classrooms and communities.
We see you. We appreciate you. We are grateful for you!

04/29/2026

What a beautiful night from start to finish. Our Because Kids Matter Awards were a great success. It was such a special evening filled with gratitude, joy, and reminders of how many amazing people work to make our children, schools, and communities stronger.

To all of our honorees—thank you for loving kids well and for showing through your actions that kids truly matter. We are so grateful for each of you!

A special thank you to the PES Players Philadelphia Elementary School for a wonderful performance. To Donna's Cafe for a delicious meal, and The Reserve at Bluebird Hill for the exquisite venue.


Loudon County Schools TN
Sweetwater City Schools PTO
Lenoir City Schools
Alcoa City Schools
Monroe County Schools TN

04/23/2026

We are so excited about our Because Kids Matter Awards Banquet next week! We cannot wait to celebrate all of the honorees.

Last, but not least, we are pleased to honor Dr. Jerome H Morton with our very first TEC Lifetime Dedication Award. Dr. Morton (Jerry to us), has committed a lifetime to serving at-risk students, supporting underserved populations, educating others, and advocating for those who need it most. He is a veteran, an author, and a psychologist. He led this agency for 38 years; seeing so many changes in education, communities, and the world. Even after retirement, Jerry has remained a friend and resource to TEC. We are thrilled we can give him this much deserved recognition.

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🎉
Today we celebrate the incredible individuals who keep our agency running smoothly behind the scenes. From answering calls with compassion, to managing the details that keep everything on track, your work does not go unnoticed.

Thank you Kaitlyn, Stephanie, and Bridget!

04/20/2026

We are proud to celebrate Paulette Evans as a TEC Because Kids Matter Awards volunteer honoree!

A retired teacher from New York, Paulette brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart as a volunteer at Steekee Elementary through her dedicated volunteer work supporting RTI reading. With a strong background in helping English Language Learners, she uses thoughtful, research-based strategies to build foundational skills like alphabet knowledge, phonics, and early reading.

Paulette consistently goes above and beyond for students. From creating hands-on, multisensory tools like sandpaper letters to strengthen learning, to stepping in wherever she’s needed—even helping in Pre-K during recess—her commitment never goes unnoticed.

She is dependable, positive, and approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and care. Most importantly, Paulette’s compassion and love for helping children shine through in everything she does, leaving a lasting impact on both students and staff. 💙

Loudon County Schools TN
Steekee Elementary School