Tanya T. Coats was elected president of the Tennessee Education Association (TEA) at its 89th TEA Representative Assembly in June. Johnson City middle school teacher Joe W. Crabtree was elected TEA vice president. The election fulfills Coats’ goal, stated here.
Terrance Gibson, TEA executive director, said the strength of TEA is rooted in “our member-leaders who use their passion for education to further the association’s work to ensure every student receives a high-quality public education and every educator has the support and resources needed to do their jobs effectively.
“I am confident President Coats will carry on the great work of the association on behalf of TEA’s tens of thousands of members and all Tennessee students.”
Coats takes office July 1, after serving as TEA vice president and president of the Knox County Education Association. She brings decades of experience as a public-school educator and long-time association member. Coats will be on-leave from her position as new teacher liaison with Knox County Schools during her tenure as president.
Coats said, “I am committed to being a vocal, tireless advocate for educators, students and public education. I look forward to partnering with other public education advocates in advancing the great work of our public schools and the Tennessee Education Association.”
Crabtree is a proven leader as a local association president and TEA board member. His experience in the classroom and within the association makes him a solid partner for Coats. During his tenure as TEA vice president, Crabtree will continue in his position teaching social studies at Liberty Bell Middle School in Johnson City.
Information from Andy Spears at Tennessee Education Report.