JC Bowman is a contributing education, editor for Tri-Star Daily, and the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a nonpartisan teacher association with over 40 years in education. He began his career as a high school social sciences and special education teacher in Tennessee. Since 2011, he has focused on legislative priorities and policy assessment at Professional Educators. Previously, he served as Chief Policy Analyst for Florida Governor Jeb Bush, contributing to the school code revision. A respected speaker and author, he has appeared nationally in various media and events. He is a Marine Corps veteran, meritoriously promoted twice. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife Bethany, and they have two adult daughters and six grandchildren.
Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton has confirmed on This Week with Bob Mueller that a possible state-level audit of Metro Nashville Public Schools is under...
What is unfolding in Smith County, Tennessee, regarding its education budget crisis may soon be mirrored in other communities across the state. Other communities...
On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued new guidance on student discipline and compliance with Title...
On June 25, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission voted 2–1 to launch a “top-to-bottom” review of the E-Rate program, the federal program that has...
There was a time when returning to school followed a familiar rhythm. Summer was winding down. Families were buying school supplies. Teachers were preparing...
When hiring a school superintendent, clarity is non-negotiable. This isn’t about popularity or political maneuvering; it’s about finding a leader who drives student achievement...
Every school year begins with optimism. New backpacks. New shoes. New teachers. Nervous kindergarteners. Excited parents. Yellow school buses returning to Tennessee roads. And...
The law changing teacher sick leave in Tennessee has generated more confusion than controversy. Social media posts and hallway conversations have left some educators...
The overwhelming majority of Tennessee educators are dedicated professionals who devote their lives to helping children succeed. They arrive early, stay late, mentor struggling...
Somewhere along the way, education crossed the line from using data to support learning to collecting data simply because technology makes it possible.
If you want to understand Tennessee school lunch, imagine a giant federal nutrition octopus extending one tentacle from Washington, another through Nashville, and several...
As a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I’m compelled to share some vital insights that transcend mere political discourse. My commitment...
At a time when the line between personal expression and professional responsibility seems increasingly blurred, a principal in mid-state Tennessee serves as a cautionary...
Whenever a state changes its teacher licensure requirements, critics are quick to ask the same question: Are we lowering standards? In Tennessee’s case, the...
Public education debates are fast-paced and can be overwhelming. Issues such as vouchers, curriculum choices, testing, accountability, AI, Chromebooks, and textbooks come up quickly....
Every July 4th, we celebrate the Declaration of Independence. This day marks the birth of our nation and the important principle that governments derive...
Fathers play a crucial role in children’s lives. Their presence is important for children’s emotional, social, and mental growth. Research shows that fathers make...
Recently, I joined WKRN News anchor Tori Gessner on a story about teacher attrition. Tennessee saw the largest percentage decline in its teacher workforce between...
Few subjects make lawmakers, educators, and parents more uncomfortable than discussing potty training. Yet a debate that recently surfaced in Utah has highlighted a...
Public policy debates sometimes reveal something deeper than regulatory language or bureaucratic procedure. The proposed revisions to teacher licensure policy in Tennessee are one...
Congressman John Rose envisions a future for education in Tennessee grounded in conservative values and a belief in every student’s potential. During my interview...
During my interview with Senator Marsha Blackburn, it was clear she is passionate about education, and if she becomes Tennessee’s governor, education will be...
In the Governor’s race, State Representative Monty Fritts emphasizes the importance of education through his personal story. He underscores his strong belief in the...
I interviewed the top candidates for Tennessee’s next governor. Other candidates were invited, but only three accepted. Each was thoughtful, professional, and deeply engaged...