August 5, 2025
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
A team of Smyrna Middle School educators, led by principal Dr. Takisha Ferguson, was selected to serve as presenters the 33rd Annual Model Schools Conference in Washington, D.C., earlier this summer.
Titled “Shifting the Pieces to Maximize Student Growth: Our Story of ESL Growth,” the presentation focused on a collaborative school-wide plan for improving academic gains for special education and English as a Second Language students following a 20 percent increase in ESL enrollment over three years.
Presenting alongside Ferguson were Assistant Principal Dr. Matt Brewer, lead ESL teacher Ellie Lee, and instructional coaches Susan Russ and Chara Webster.
“They went through a rigorous application/interview process, and were chosen from across the nation,” said Barbara Powers, middle grades coordinator for Rutherford County Schools. “They represented our district with class and professionalism and provided instructional strategies for teachers and administrators across the nation.”
Powers noted that educators from Tennessee and beyond expressed interest in visiting the school to learn more.
Smyrna Middle was recognized as a Level 5 school by the Tennessee Department of Education for student academic growth – the highest ranking possible – three of the last four years.