Tennessee officially has a new State Commissioner of Education. Lizzette Reynolds, a Texas native, was sworn in last week as the latest head of the Tennessee Department of Education. She replaced Penny Schwinn, who resigned effective June 1.
“I am excited and humbled by having the opportunity to serve Tennessee’s families to ensure they get the best possible education for their children,” Commissioner Reynolds said in an introductory video. “I look forward to meeting with educators, families, elected officials, and stakeholders throughout the state and continuing the great work already happening on behalf of kids in Tennessee.”
The new commissioner brings a history that reflects a deep commitment to high-quality education for all students, including work in school choice, assessment and accountability, college and career pathways, and education policy.
Reynolds previously served as the Vice President of Policy for ExcelinEd. She also served as Deputy Legislative Director for then-Governor George W. Bush, Special Assistant in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs for U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, and Regional Representative for U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
Like her predecessor, Reynolds was a Chief Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency.
The new commissioner takes control of the department amid a series of transformative initiatives designed to improve student academic performance. In the past four years, Tennessee has changed early literacy instruction, created a new teacher training program, expanded school choice options, and reformed how it funds its public schools. Based on results from the 2022-23 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), these changes appear to be producing positive outcomes. As a result, legislators say they are looking forward to working with the new education chief to do even more.
House State Representative Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka), who chairs the House Education Subcommittee, told The Tennessee Star, “This year we’ve seen the fewest students ever failing to meet expectations on TCAP assessments. It’s a clear indication that we are on the right track.”
“The data clearly supports the belief that the combined efforts of the state, teachers, and parents are working. It is clear to me that we must continue building on the progress,” Senate Education Chairman State Senator Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) told The Star.
While Reynolds has yet to meet with legislators, her staff has indicated that she is in alignment with the agenda of the Tennessee General Assembly. The expectation is she will meet with state representatives this week as she officially transitions into office.
Representative Cepicky said he is especially encouraged by her past work with the Jeb Bush-founded education policy group, ExcelinEd, on mathematic instruction. Early indicators are that legislators plan to focus on math instruction during the upcoming Spring session of the General Assembly.
“Our work with tutors and summer school for literacy makes it easier to expand outward to include mathematics.” Cepicky said. “We also need to look at creating more time for teachers to deliver instruction without expanding the day or taking away enrichment outcomes.”
Professional Educators of Tennessee (PET) Executive Director JC Bowman said he is optimistic about the new commissioner and praises her willingness to engage.
“From early conversations with her, I am hopeful. We want the new Commissioner to succeed.” Bowman told The Star. “She must make connections and consult with actual educators, parents, school districts, and the Tennessee General Assembly. She needs to fully staff the department with competent personnel to create an effective organization to assist educators and districts in educating children. We need less reliance on outside vendors.”
He comes away from their early conversations with the feeling that Reynolds is committed to being a partner with Tennessee’s parents, educators, and lawmakers.
Bowman added, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t compliment deputy commissioner Sam Pearcy during his brief tenure as state commissioner. He did an admirable job, and should prove to be a valuable asset for Commissioner Reynolds.”
Former Commissioner Penny Schwinn now serves as a fellow for the Walton Family Foundation and FutureEd, as well as in senior leadership for a university.
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TC Weber is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. He also writes the blog Dad Gone Wild. Follow TC on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]. He’s the proud parent of two public school children and the spouse of a public school teacher.
Image “Lizzette Reynolds” by Tennessee Department of Education.
