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Since 2021, NPEF has led a cohort of MNPS educators through a unique professional learning experience designed to harness their expertise and innovation. Teacherpreneurs participate in professional learning sessions over several months to build out ideas that help remove barriers to success for students. Learn more about the cohorts and past winners below.

Cohort 4 winners

First Place
Saul Calzadilla

Whitsitt Elementary School
Saul Calzadilla designed an idea to provide the framework and tools for schools to start their own community gardening programs to build relationships, grow knowledge, and address food insecurity. 

Second Place
John Stayskal

KIPP Antioch College Prep Middle

John Stayskal, an English Language Arts teacher at KIPP Antioch College Prep Middle, earned second place for his idea to reimagine the school day schedule to provide longer dedicated planning time to educators to reduce teacher burnout and increase student success.

Third Place
Jamia Lockmiller

Tusculum Elementary School

Jamia Lockmiller, a Physical Education teacher from Tusculum Elementary, earned third place for her idea to create a program for students to borrow and learn about sports and recreational equipment to promote exercise and student engagement.

Community Favorite
April Greene

Antioch Middle School

Celia Bowman-Jeffries, a Multilingual Learner teacher from Antioch Middle School, earned the Community Favorite award for her idea of Multilingual Learner Advocates to create more welcoming and supportive social and academic learning environments for multilingual students.

Cohort 4 from left to right: Saul Calzadilla, Raymond Boyd, JC Gordon, Jennifer Caudle Williams, Nathanael Reveal, Jamia Lockmiller, John Stayskal, DaKennya Goines, Hayley Smith, Celia Bowman-Jeffries

Cohort 3 winners

First Place
Kathleen Shepherd

Haywood Elementary School
Kathleen Shepherd designed an idea to provide engaging literacy kits for multi-lingual students and families to use together at home, both increasing students’ reading and writing skills and celebrating the many languages and cultures within her school community.

Second Place
Ashley Giddens

East Nashville Magnet High School

Ashley Giddens, a school counselor at East Nashville Magnet High School, earned second place for her idea to ensure students who are incarcerated in the juvenile court system receive the necessary academic supports to transition back to the public school setting on track to graduate and pursue a postsecondary career option.

Third Place
Natalie Nikitas

Valor College Prep

Natalie Nikitas from Valor College Prep earned third place for her idea to increase teacher retention by developing a cohort model for veteran teachers to collaborate and support one another’s professional learning.

Community Favorite
April Greene

Alex Green Elementary School

April Greene from Alex Green Elementary School earned the Community Favorite award for her idea to develop a program centered around helping students grow literacy skills and confidence by exploring books and stories that celebrate their personal identities, cultures, and backgrounds.

Cohort 3 from left to right: Ashley Giddens, Kelly Carey, Sarah Casada, Molly Handler, Jamie Bonkowski, Angie Allen, MJ Manley, April Greene, Natalie Nikitas, Kathleen Shepherd

Cohort 2 winners

First Place
Dr. Jennifer Love

East Nashville Magnet High School
Jennifer Love designed an idea to incorporate a social-emotional learning curriculum in student athletics to provide increased access to mental health supports for high school students.

Second Place
Nathan Fields

Hillsboro High School

Nathan Fields from Hillsboro High School earned second place for his plan to create an interactive, challenge-based program designed alongside students to grow interest and achievement in science curriculum.

Third Place
Sarai Ovalle

Antioch Middle School

Sarai Ovalle from Antioch Middle School earned third place for her idea for a program to increase access to magnet schools for academically advanced English Learner students.

Community Favorite
Dr. Kellee Hill

Whites Creek High School

Dr. Kellee Hill from Whites Creek High School earned the Community Favorite award for her idea to provide supports to science teachers to help them make Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curriculum more accessible and engaging for English Learner students.

Cohort 2 from left to right: Christopher Reed, Kate Sundell, Sarai Ovalle, Sam Singer, Taylor Edens, Jenn Love, Tabatha Barner, Jonathan Parrish, Kellee Hill, Nathan Fields (not pictured: Anna Bernstein)

Cohort 1 winners

First Place
Quanita Adams

Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School

Quanita Adams designed an idea to create a network of supports
for novice teachers in schools that experience high teacher turnover.

Second Place
Daven Oglesby

Lakeview Elementary Design Center

Daven Oglesby from Lakeview Elementary Design Center earned second place for his plan to support special education students to develop independent living skills in the elementary school classroom.

Third Place
Addison Barrack

Margaret Allen Middle School

Addison Barrack from Margaret Allen Middle School earned third place for her plan to design a flexible school environment for students who need to work to support themselves and attend school simultaneously.

Community Favorite
LaKesha Rayford

Glencliff Entrepreneurship STEAM Magnet Elementary

LaKesha Rayford from Glencliff Entrepreneurship STEAM Magnet Elementary School earned the Community Favorite award for her idea to empower students to address cultural gaps with their peers and teachers through a supportive model.

Cohort 1 from left to right: Alyssa Janco, David Meyers, Daven Oglesby, Nikki Hendricks-Bolling, Quanita Adams, Nita Smith, Addison Barrack, Chriseni Pulse, Justin Montenegro, LaKesha Rayford, Paula Pendergrass, Dyetra Olige

Meet the Cohort

Quanita Adams
Math Teacher, Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"The opportunity to collaborate on innovative instructional design."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Teacher effectiveness app"

Addison Barrack
SIFE ELA Teacher, Margaret Allen Middle School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I was attracted to Teacherpreneur because of the uniqueness of this opportunity. I'll have the ability to stretch my thinking by learning about entrepreneurship while still remaining true to my passion for serving Nashville's students."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Education, allies, services"

Nikki Bolling
5th Grade ELA & Social Studies Teacher, Shwab Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"The opportunity to create change and positively impact students and their families."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Parent participation platform"

Alyssa Janco
2nd Grade Teacher, Eagle View Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I am passionate about empowering students, and I believe this program will help me to empower my English language learners."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Teacher creators & consultants"

Justin Montenegro
Engineering Teacher, Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"Teacherpreneur gives me the chance to influence the direction of computer science education within MNPS with cutting edge curriculum."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Teacher programming cohort"

David Myers
Math Teacher, J.T. Moore Middle School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I love the idea of transformative actions, and I also need to be a better market-eer."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Summer fun camp"

Daven Oglesby
Exceptional Education Teacher, Lakeview Elementary Design Center

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"As a special education teacher, and creative individual, I am drawn to the idea of creating an innovative and inclusive environment for my students in general. I believe this cohort will provide me with incredible insight into thinking critically, solving real problems and expanding my knowledge as an educator in a specialized field."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Real world experience"

Dyetra Olige
Exceptional Education Transition Specialist, LEAD Southeast High School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I know that I have an awesome idea that can drastically shift education, but I know I need some support in creating and sustaining a successful program."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Diploma, purpose, thrive"

Paula Pendergrass
Gifted Education Teacher, Robertson Academy

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"The opportunity to be solution oriented in solving issues that keep students in the center."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Gifted all day"

Chriseni Pulse
2nd Grade Teacher, Cumberland Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I liked that Teacherpreneur is going to make a real difference in the community and lives of students. I am interested in making more of an impact in education beyond my classroom. I believe Teacherpreneur can help me hone in on leadership skills that I want to increase and enhance. I like the ability to work and learn from others."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Parental involvement app"

LaKesha Rayford
Technology Teacher, Glencliff Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"It's simple. I want to ensure that every student in MNPS is really seen. This opportunity seems to be the avenue that will help me do my part to ensure that our students are seen."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Families rediscover culture"

Nita Smith
Music Teacher, I.T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"My attraction is the opportunity to be part of a core group of teachers across content areas who can help to shape a better future for our profession. The opportunity to collaborate with other teachers promotes growth and builds teacher leadership skills."

Preview your solution in three words:
"Teachers of color cooperative"

WATCH PITCH PREVIEWS
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Quanita Adams
Math Teacher, Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"The opportunity to collaborate on innovative instructional design."

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Addison Barrack
SIFE ELA Teacher, Margaret Allen Middle School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I was attracted to Teacherpreneur because of the uniqueness of this opportunity. I'll have the ability to stretch my thinking by learning about entrepreneurship while still remaining true to my passion for serving Nashville's students."

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Nikki Bolling
5th Grade ELA & Social Studies Teacher, Shwab Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"The opportunity to create change and positively impact students and their families."

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Alyssa Janco
2nd Grade Teacher, Eagle View Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I am passionate about empowering students, and I believe this program will help me to empower my English language learners."

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Justin Montenegro
Engineering Teacher, Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"Teacherpreneur gives me the chance to influence the direction of computer science education within MNPS with cutting edge curriculum."

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David Myers
Math Teacher, J.T. Moore Middle School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I love the idea of transformative actions, and I also need to be a better market-eer."

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Daven Oglesby
Exceptional Education Teacher, Lakeview Elementary Design Center

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"As a special education teacher, and creative individual, I am drawn to the idea of creating an innovative and inclusive environment for my students in general. I believe this cohort will provide me with incredible insight into thinking critically, solving real problems and expanding my knowledge as an educator in a specialized field."

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Dyetra Olige
Exceptional Education Transition Specialist, LEAD Southeast High School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I know that I have an awesome idea that can drastically shift education, but I know I need some support in creating and sustaining a successful program."

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Paula Pendergrass
Gifted Education Teacher, Robertson Academy

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"The opportunity to be solution oriented in solving issues that keep students in the center."

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Chriseni Pulse
2nd Grade Teacher, Cumberland Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"I liked that Teacherpreneur is going to make a real difference in the community and lives of students. I am interested in making more of an impact in education beyond my classroom. I believe Teacherpreneur can help me hone in on leadership skills that I want to increase and enhance. I like the ability to work and learn from others."

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LaKesha Rayford
Technology Teacher, Glencliff Elementary School

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"It's simple. I want to ensure that every student in MNPS is really seen. This opportunity seems to be the avenue that will help me do my part to ensure that our students are seen."

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Nita Smith
Music Teacher, I.T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts

What attracted you to Teacherpreneur?
"My attraction is the opportunity to be part of a core group of teachers across content areas who can help to shape a better future for our profession. The opportunity to collaborate with other teachers promotes growth and builds teacher leadership skills."

THE COHORT's JOURNEY

See below for some highlights from our inaugural Teacherpeneur cohort as they prepared to pitch their prototypes on February 24.

Cohort mentor Brian Purvis advises the inaugural cohort

Teacherpreneurs David Myers and Paula Pendergrass discuss root causes of educational inequities

Teacherpreneurs Addison Barrack and LaKesha Rayford share findings from their empathy interviews

Teacherpreneurs Justin Montenegro and Nita Smith practice their pitches and provide feedback

Inspired by words from local entrepreneur and educator Emily Freitag, CEO of Instruction Partners, to “find a problem you can fall in love with,” our 12 Teacherpreneurs are designing solutions to problems they are most passionate about addressing. Some of these include:

  • The effect of high teacher turnover on teachers and students
  • The need for more effective instructional supports for English Learners
  • The struggle of balancing work and school for some students
  • The lack of access to teachers of color
  • The lack of accessible opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s education

"Teachers are the backbone of education! To hear the passion and brilliance of my Teacherpreneurs cohort members was confirmation of why this think-tank is needed and even more so amid such perilous times in education."

- Inaugural cohort member

Teacherpreneurs Nikki Bolling and Chriseni Pulse discuss ways to increase equitable access to parent involvement activities

Each cohort member received a box full of books, supplies, and mementos

Teacherpreneurs Daven Oglesby and Quanita Adams practice their pitches and provide feedback

NPEF's Katie Cour interviews Instruction Partners CEO Emily Freitag

Create. Refine. Pilot. Scale.

The Teacherpreneur program is designed to harness educator innovation to remove inequities and build schools where all students thrive.

This leadership development opportunity will help teachers scale their innovative solutions while changing the way our community sees educators - as change-makers both in and beyond the walls of their classroom.
The inaugural Teacherpreneur cohort will undergo professional learning throughout early 2022 to design and refine their innovative solutions to eliminate systemic inequities in our schools. The cohort experience will culminate in a prototype pitch event awarding more than $25,000 in cash prizes to the top concepts.

Select winners will be chosen for seed funding to implement or scale their innovative solution.

Teacherpreneur in the news

How Nashville Teachers Are Supporting Students With Interrupted Formal Education classroom

NewsChannel 5, 9/4/24

Pitch perfect: taking you inside the 'Shark Tank' of education to solve issues in the classroom

NewsChannel 5, 3/9/23

School Patrol: Teachers get innovative with new ideas through entrepreneur program

NewsChannel 5, 1/18/23

Nashville teachers confronting classroom inequities through 'Teacherpreneur' program

NewsChannel 5, 1/11/22

A dozen Nashville teachers will try to tackle some of Metro Schools' biggest challenges

The Tennessean, 12/27/21