TNSTEP

12/01/2025

Making decisions about life after high school is challenging, especially for students with disabilities. Sue has an IEP, so she's required to have a transition plan to help prepare her for adult life, and it’s already in motion. She’s been placed in a Work-Based Learning job at an animal shelter, based on a career path her parents chose for her, without fully considering her allergies, anxiety, or autism. Now, Sue is learning the hard way how important it is to speak up when others are making decisions about her future.

Follow along this fun and important video to discover tools to help you take charge of what comes next! Full Video: https://youtu.be/G2llREDky4A?si=GqKuWOVF2j7yskqd

For more information and strategies for planning for life after high school as a young person with a disability:
visit tnstep.info and familyengagementtn.com
Review this handout: https://bit.ly/4r1YcHu

This video was produced by TNSTEP in partnership with Family Engagement in Special Education and TN-TAN.

12/01/2025

Memphis, add this to your weekly calendar!

As you plan out the days ahead, don’t forget to save time for an important community conversation happening Tuesday, December 2 from 5:00–7:00 PM CST.

The Memphis Regional Roundtable, hosted by EdTrust–TN and partners in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education, is your chance to weigh in on how major federal changes are shaping education.

Your perspective matters and this conversation isn’t complete without Memphis at the table. 💛 Register here: https://edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable/

11/29/2025

A few days ago the TNSTEP Board of Directors and Staff came together for an inspiring retreat filled with connection, reflection, and some good ole strategic planning.

Through team-building moments and deep conversations about the future of special education in Tennessee, one theme shined through every session: Families are—and always will be—our priority.

We left the retreat re-energized and united in our commitment to TNSTEP’s mission: to stand on the frontlines with families, empowering them (You!) with the knowledge, support, and confidence they need to navigate their child’s education journey.

Enjoy these highlights from an unforgettable weekend, and join us in celebrating the dedicated leaders who make TNSTEP’s impact possible!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from TNSTEP 🧡

Today we’re giving thanks for the incredible families, youth, educators, and partners who make our work possible. Your strength, resilience, and passion for creating a brighter, more inclusive future for Tennessee students inspire us every single day.

From all of us at TNSTEP, we are thankful for YOU!

11/12/2025

NASHVILLE — it’s your turn to take the mic!

Join EdTrust–Tennessee and partners from the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education on Thursday, November 20, 5–7 PM CT, for a Regional Roundtable right here in Music City!

As sweeping federal changes reshape education, this is your chance to bring local voices and big ideas to the table. Let’s come together to:
✅ Bridge policy and community conversations
✅ Spotlight Nashville’s innovative local solutions
✅ Strengthen our collective voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session

Your perspective matters because when families, educators, and leaders collaborate, every Tennessee student wins. 💛

Register now: https://edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable/

11/10/2025

THANK YOU, TNSTEP COMMUNITY!

Our Online Auction has officially closed and we are overwhelmed with gratitude! To everyone who donated an item, placed a bid, shared a post, or made a direct donation, you made this fundraiser a success!

If you won an item, a TNSTEP team member will reach out within the next week to arrange pickup or delivery so stay tuned!

From all of us at TNSTEP: thank you for standing with us, lifting up our mission, and believing in the power of every voice. 💛💙

11/10/2025

Only 1 more hour before our silent auction closes! This Ole Smoky Distillery package could use a few more bids!

Roll into the spirit of Tennessee with this Ole Smoky Distillery Wheeled Cooler of Goodies, packed with everything you need to celebrate in true Smoky Mountain style! Featuring fan-favorite moonshines, accessories, and branded gear, this impressive collection is perfect for gatherings, tailgates, or gifting to your favorite Tennessee spirits enthusiast. Don't miss out!

Auction item 'Ole Smoky Distillery Wheeled Cooler of Goodies' hosted online at 32auctions.

11/09/2025

TNSTEP’s Online Auction ends TONIGHT at 7PM CST / 8PM EST!

There’s still time to place your final bids and score incredible items such as signed memorabilia, weekend getaways, and exclusive experiences, all while supporting TNSTEP’s mission to empower families of children and youth with disabilities across Tennessee. 💙

Don’t see anything you love in the auction? You can still make a direct donation and help us reach our goal!

Choose a gift that fits your heart and your budget:
$25: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/132695/auctions/188546/auction_items/6507410

$50: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/132695/auctions/188546/auction_items/6507415

$100: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/132695/auctions/188546/auction_items/6507423

$250: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/132695/auctions/188546/auction_items/6507429

Auction: www.32auctions.com/tnstep
Together, we’re making sure every voice is heard!

11/07/2025

Just in! We’ve added a last-minute, exclusive item to our Online Auction:

Nashville Predators Fans—You’re Gonna Want to See This!

We have an autographed Filip Forsberg print! This collectible piece celebrates one of the greatest players in Predators history, and it’s officially signed. Perfect for any fan cave, office, or holiday gift for the hockey lover in your life.

Every bid supports TNSTEP’s mission to empower families of children and youth with disabilities across Tennessee.

Bid now: www.32auctions.com/tnstep

Let’s GO PREDS 💙💛

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/132695/auctions/188546/auction_items/6569064

Auction item 'An autographed Filip Forsberg print!' hosted online at 32auctions.

11/07/2025

Who loves a great adventure? We have fabulous Pigeon Forge package in our online auction that closes in just a few more days!

Experience the best of Pigeon Forge with this Southern Fun at The Island basket. This incredible package combines family attractions at The Island in Pigeon Forge with signature Paula Deen items and kitchen goodies that bring her famous southern hospitality straight to your home.

Basket Includes:
4 Unlimited Rides Wristbands with Ropes Course & Quick Jump
4 SkyFly: Soar America Tickets – a thrilling flying adventure attraction
Assorted Paula Deen Signature Kitchen Items
Famous Fried Chicken Coating Mix
Sweet Potato Butter
Ceramic Chicken Pitcher
“Don’t Make Me Peck You” Kitchen Towel
$50 Gift Card to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

Don't miss out on this one!

Auction item '“Southern Fun at The Island” & Paula Deen Basket' hosted online at 32auctions.

11/07/2025

Tennessee Titans Fans - This one is for you!

Own a piece of Tennessee sports history with this authentic Tennessee Titans jersey, signed by Kevin Dyson, the player forever remembered for his legendary touchdown in the “Music City Miracle.”

This collector’s item celebrates one of the most iconic plays in NFL history — the 2000 AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills — when Dyson caught the lateral and ran 75 yards for the game winning score.

Bid Now:

Auction item 'Signed TN Titans “Music City Miracle” Jersey' hosted online at 32auctions.

11/06/2025

MYTH BUSTERS: School Edition!

Do you think you know the truth about accommodations and modifications in Tennessee schools? Get ready to buzz in because game show hosts Dan Washington and Donna Cody are here to separate fact from fiction!

No need to take notes! We’ve got you covered:
Download the Fact Sheet:https://tnstep.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MythBusters-Mods-Accoms-FESE.pdf
Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/tQaHfQyaqNU?si=FY63bBd7gHpWLyjE

For even more tools and resources on accommodations and modifications, visit tnstep.info and familyengagementtn.com.

This video was produced by TNSTEP, in partnership with Family Engagement in Special Education and TN-TAN.