TNSTEP

12/18/2025

Did You Know?

TNSTEP responded to 71,217 direct requests for support this year, everything from IEP questions to transition planning and inclusive education guidance.

Every number represents a real parent, a real story, and real hope. 💛

What TNSTEP resource has helped you the most?

Support Online: https://tnstep.info/donate/

12/16/2025

💛 Who is TNSTEP?

We are the team families call when they feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure where to turn. We show up with free support, clear guidance, and hope.

If TNSTEP has made a difference in your life, or in the life of someone you love, please consider giving today.

Watch the video to learn more about our programs: https://youtu.be/dfrAXI6qxGs

💛 Donate Online: https://tnstep.info/donate/

12/16/2025

🌟 Did You Know?

TNSTEP supports families in all 95 Tennessee counties from Memphis to Mountain City, and everywhere in between.

We want to hear from YOU! What county were YOU in when TNSTEP supported your family?

Drop it in the comments and let’s see how far across Tennessee this post can reach!

12/08/2025

These aren’t just numbers. They represent real families, real children, and real breakthroughs.

✅ 71,217 families received direct, one-on-one support

✅ 111,053 parents, educators, and service providers trained through free webinars and events

✅ 302,866 resources distributed—online, in person, and by mail

✅ 5,534 youth empowered with self-advocacy and transition planning tools

✅ All made possible by a passionate team of just 7 people

Behind each statistic is a parent who finally felt seen. A student who gained confidence. A teacher who learned how to support inclusion.

💛This is what your generosity fuels and we still have so much more to do.

Your gift today ensures that no family has to navigate the special education system alone. Let’s keep showing up, family by family, step by step.

Support TNSTEP: https://tnstep.info/donate/

12/08/2025

“What we are saying to families is that IDEA has not vanished,” said Stephanie Willis, the deputy director at TNSTEP. “They’re not alone, we are here, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Thank you to the Nashville Banner for shedding light on what shutting down the Department of Education could mean for disabled and special education students in Tennessee.

Learn how the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education could impact special education services and the rights of students with disabilities.

12/03/2025

KNOXVILLE — your voice is needed!

Join EdTrust–Tennessee and partners in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education THIS Friday, December 5 from 3:00–5:00 PM EST for the Knoxville Regional Roundtable! 🌟

With major federal shifts shaping the future of education, this is a timely moment for families, advocates, educators, and community leaders to come together and:
✔️ Bridge policy and real-world experiences
✔️ Spotlight effective local solutions
✔️ Strengthen a unified voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session

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

12/02/2025

This year alone, TNSTEP supported 71,217 families. Incredible!!

The need is still growing and today, on this national day of giving, we invite you to join us in supporting families and youth across our state. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full educational potential.

Support TNSTEP below or through our website: https://tnstep.info/donate/

💙 Today is , and families across Tennessee need YOU.
A mother recently shared with us:

"Without TNSTEP, my child wouldn't have reached the progress and success he has achieved today." This year alone, TNSTEP supported 71,217 families—just like hers. Isn’t that incredible?

The need is still growing and today, on this national day of giving, we invite you to join us in supporting families and youth across our state. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full educational potential.

A single act of generosity today can change a family’s future. 💙
Donate now: https://tnstep.info/donate/

12/02/2025

💙 Today is , and families across Tennessee need YOU.
A mother recently shared with us:

"Without TNSTEP, my child wouldn't have reached the progress and success he has achieved today." This year alone, TNSTEP supported 71,217 families—just like hers. Isn’t that incredible?

The need is still growing and today, on this national day of giving, we invite you to join us in supporting families and youth across our state. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full educational potential.

A single act of generosity today can change a family’s future. 💙
Donate now: https://tnstep.info/donate/

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!