Tennessee Tech alumni lead, inspire in White County schools

Rebecca Ryan

 (Nov. 2, 2021) - The influence of graduates from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education can be seen in school across the nation.

In the Upper Cumberland region Tech calls home, Tech alumni are leading the way in the education of children and preparing them for success.

“As educators, we realize there’s no greater calling than to impact students’ lives every day. Leaders with a degree from Tennessee Tech are dedicated and diligent professionals who constantly change the trajectory of schools and communities—especially some of our rural communities across the Upper Cumberland. We are proud of the commitment to learning in the face of such challenging times, and we are humbled to call these leaders alumni,” Jeremy Wendt, chair of the department of curriculum and instruction, said.

Many of the educators in White County are Tech graduates including most of their school principals. 

“The White County school district is proud to work with Tennessee Tech University on a daily basis. Tennessee Tech does an excellent job of preparing school leaders for the challenges of today. Comprehensive classwork coupled with real-world experience gives Tech graduates the tools they need to be successful,” Kurt Dronebarger, director of White County Schools, said.

Rebecca Ryan is in her fifth year as principal at Findlay Elementary in Sparta, Tennessee.  She received her bachelor of science degree in secondary education mathematics and her master's degree in instructional leadership from Tech.

“My time at Tennessee Tech prepared me well for my career as a teacher and as an administrator. The courses taken and the work done helped me to develop my own understanding of teaching and learning and set the foundation for my educational philosophy. Being an administrator is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers. It allows me to influence education through supporting and growing educators, mentoring and guiding students, and developing relationships with families and our community,” Ryan said.