“I just challenge all of us, as we work together to challenge public school systems, to be better and that we support them in ways that are innovative and creative, that we disrupt the status quo,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said in late 2019.

The University of Tennessee has been doing just that. From establishing community schools in Knoxville to developing dance education teachers and changing teacher preparation programs, UT works to continue to produce educators who excel in leading their students. What teachers do and say in the classroom impact future generations, and their importance cannot be shortchanged.