State Board Of Education Announces ELA Standards Recommendation Committee Appointees

Today, the State Board of Education announced the members of the English Language Arts (ELA) Standards Recommendation Committee (SRC), which will review the Standards Development Committee's (SDC) proposed ELA standards and public feedback. The SRC will submit its recommendations to the State Board of Education. Eight members have been appointed to the committee, with two possible additional appointments pending for the 10-member body.

The following individuals have been appointed to the ELA Standards Recommendation Committee:  
 
Appointed by the Governor 
Annie Dockery, 8th and 9th Grade ELA Teacher, Maryville City Schools 
Britni Singleteary, 5th Grade Teacher, Dyer County Schools 
**Lucas Hilliard, High School English Teacher, Sumner County Schools 
Rosemary Winters, 5th Grade Special Education Teacher & Special Education Chairperson, Memphis-Shelby County Schools 
 
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor  
Cathryn Stout, Communications Consultant, Stout Consulting 
Lacey Nau, High School English Teacher & Department Chair, Rutherford County Schools 
Patty Baird, Corporate Consultant, Self-employed 
 
Appointed by the Speaker of the House 
*Larry Kernagis, Adjunct Professor, College of Education, Middle Tennessee State University

*Chairman
**Vice-Chairman

The SRC virtual presentations will be held on September 5, and in-person meetings will be held from September 8-11, 2025, at the Tennessee Tower at 312 Rosa L Parks Ave, Nashville, TN 37203. The virtual presentations and meetings are open to the public to attend, with a time for public comment during each in-person meeting agenda. Please notify Breanna Sommers, Breanna.Sommers@tn.gov, if you plan to attend.

The State Board of Education is charged under Tennessee Statute (T.C.A. § 49-1-311-313) and State Board Policy (Standards Review Policy 3.209) to review and approve the English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies standards at least every eight years. Each standards review process follows the same almost two-year rigorous, legislatively mandated process to promote collaboration and transparency. This process entails significant public feedback and coordination across educators, state government, and appointed representatives.