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School Choice Divides Candidates in East Tennessee GOP Primary — The Friday Flicker #9 | Tennessee Firefly
← Newsletter archive

The Friday Flicker · Issue #9

School Choice Divides Candidates in East Tennessee GOP Primary

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Sent to 3,181 subscribers

Tennessee Considers Alternative Certification Options for Teachers Who Fail the Praxis
Tennessee Considers Alternative Certification Options for Teachers Who Fail the Praxis

This week, we look at a Tennessee Senate Republican primary race where school choice has become a dividing line between incumbent Senator Adam Lowe and his challengers.

We also have coverage of possible changes to the state's certification process for teachers and a report claiming employers are expecting more from college graduates than ever before.

The Lead

Tennessee Considers Alternative Certification Options for Teachers Who Fail the Praxis

By Jacob Holley

Supporters point toward the state's teacher shortage, while skeptics warn that loosening standards could put the state's recent academic gains at risk.

Read the full story →

Also in this issue

  • School Choice Divides Candidates in East Tennessee GOP Primary

    Dennis Beavers is running against the Education Freedom Scholarship program, while Senator Adam Lowe voted to expand it.

    Sky Arnold

  • Manchester Elementary Teacher Shocked to Receive Milken Educator Award

    Holly Logan received national recognition for her work helping English language learners.

    Zoe Kuhn

  • Experts Say Employers Seek More from College Students Than Previous Years

    Employers expect job seekers to have more than just a degree.

    Zoe Kuhn

  • The Gate School Would Bring Discussion-Based Harkness Method to West Nashville

    Metro Nashville Public Schools will weigh its amended public charter application July 28.

    Jacob Holley

  • On the Fly July 17, 2026

    This week's podcast recaps key issues in multiple primaries.

That's all for this week. We'll continue to follow these and other stories next week. Thanks for reading, and have a good weekend.

The Friday Flicker

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