The February 2025 Portfolio Lead Office Hour, hosted by the Tennessee Department of Education on February 1, focused on providing support for educators as they navigate various challenges. The meeting emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration among district leads and the educator effectiveness team.

The session began with a reminder about the upcoming May 5 deadline for portfolio submissions. Participants were encouraged to seek assistance not only with portfolio-related questions but also with inquiries regarding licensure, the universal reading screener, and assessments. The team expressed gratitude to attendees, particularly those who joined despite inclement weather.

A key highlight of the meeting was the acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of the educator effectiveness team, led by Tracy. The team has been addressing various issues and ensuring that educators receive the necessary support. Attendees were reminded that while individual teacher questions are important, they may delay the resolution of broader issues. Therefore, district leads were encouraged to consult with their teams first before escalating questions to the educator effectiveness team.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and support, with assurances that the team is actively working on improvements and fixes to enhance the experience for educators. The PowerPoint presentation from the meeting will be made available on the department's website, along with a recording of the session for those who could not attend. Overall, the meeting reinforced the department's dedication to supporting educators and fostering effective communication within districts.