TAA Talks

TAA is celebrating the power of great teaching with a special edition of the TAA Talks Podcast in honor of the 2026 TAA Foundation Teacher Appreciation Donation Sensation. Host Kami Lunsford, TAA Director of Educational Programs and Events, ponders the question Who IS my favorite teacher? Rather than tackling the impossible alone, this episode leans into the reflections from arts educators whose lives were shaped by teachers who saw their potential, nurtured their creativity, and changed their paths forever. These personal tributes highlight the lasting impact of arts education and the mentors who make it meaningful.This episode is dedicated to the TAA Foundation Board of Directors—many of whom were teachers or began their careers in the classroom—whose ongoing commitment helps sustain and grow the kind of inspiration found in arts education classrooms every day. Featured guests include Virginia Nix, a visual art teacher at Kenrose Elementary School in Brentwood, TN; Kim Warnette, Visual Art STEAM Studio Lab Director at Rozelle Elementary School for Performing Arts in Memphis, TN; Roland Wilson, retired choral director and current PhD candidate at the University of Memphis; and SaraLyn Archibald, theatre and communications teacher at Arlington High School in Arlington, TN. Each brings a unique perspective and a powerful story of gratitude. Listeners will be reminded that while it may be impossible to choose just one favorite teacher, it’s never too late to say thank you.

Join Kami Lunsford, TAA Director of Educational Programs and Events, and Kiera Crite, elementary music teacher from Franklin, TN, as they explore the great assets arts educators bring to school leadership, and how leading through an arts lens is a superpower! They'll also take a closer look at what the Arts Leadership & Administration Track at the TAA Summer Institute has to offer administrators, arts supervisors, and arts educators who are interested in leadership and advocacy.  | Kiera Crite was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where music was ingrained in her life from the very beginning. Both of her parents worked in the live entertainment department at Opryland USA Theme Park—her father as a sound engineer and her mother as a vocalist—surrounding her with talented artists who inspired the level of excellence she pursues in her own musical journey. Crite began piano lessons in California as a child and continued through graduate school. Throughout her education, she remained active in music programs, including school choir, church choirs, handbell choirs, and piano competitions. Crite earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Spelman College in 2005, where she performed and traveled with the Spelman College Glee Club. She later attended Tennessee State University, earning a Master of Science in Music Education and completing her teacher certification. After graduation, Crite began teaching in Metro Nashville Public Schools, where she taught elementary general music as well as high school chorus and class piano. She currently teaches elementary general music at Johnson Elementary in the Franklin Special District in Franklin, Tennessee, and finds great joy in reaching children through music and changing lives through arts education. She models her philosophy of teaching after the motto of Spelman College: “It’s my choice, and I choose to change the world—one musician at a time.”

Close out the first semester with Kami as she chats with Chris Taylor, TAA Visual Art facilitator, about the real magic that happens in arts education classes every day in this episode - "Making Magic On Purpose: How the Arts Make a Lasting Impact." It's a great listen as you recharge and set intention for the second half of the school year!Christopher Taylor was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and now lives in Nashville, where he teaches art at Fall-Hamilton Elementary School. Although he did not initially set out to become an art educator, his early work as a teaching assistant in special-education classrooms shaped his approach to teaching and affirmed his belief in art as a vehicle for change, growth, and self-expression. Taylor previously taught in Memphis-Shelby County Schools before joining Metro Nashville Public Schools, where he now works with elementary students, guiding them through a wide range of artistic mediums while encouraging them to tell their own stories through their work. An experimental artist, Taylor’s personal practice spans everything from cartooning to weaving on canvas. He describes his work as “conversation starters,” beginning with his own perspective and inviting others to contribute their thoughts. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and his experiences in the classroom, Taylor is passionate about sharing his love for artistic exploration and helping students see new possibilities through art.

Grab a cup of coffee and join Kami as she talks with Paula Medlin, the Trio Track Coordinator for the TAA Summer Institute. They'll discuss how it really is "all about relationships" when it comes to making an impact in the arts classroom and school community. Paula gives insights on how the trio track is beneficial to everyone who works in education, and why this year's TAA Summer Institute is one you will not want to miss! Paula Medlin is a retired choral director with a lifelong passion for music and education. A native of Morristown, Tennessee, she grew up in a deeply musical family and began her own musical journey at an early age. She earned her degrees in Music Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Over the course of her career, Paula taught K–12 music in both Knox and Anderson Counties and held numerous church music positions. She ultimately found her greatest joy in working with emerging high school musicians. She believed deeply in the transformative power of music, not only as an art form but also as a guiding force to help young people navigate life’s challenges. Since retiring from full-time teaching, Paula has remained actively involved in the Tennessee Arts Academy (TAA) community, volunteering as a TAA Ambassador, and is the Trio Track Coordinator for the TAA Summer Institute. When she is not working with TAA, she is traveling whenever she can or working with her husband, Ray, in the family tax practice. She also enjoys singing with local church and community choirs and has recently discovered a love for needlepoint.

Join Kami as she interviews special guest Kathy Coffey, a TAA Alumni Association member and TAA Ambassador, about the wild and wonderful world of middle school. They reflect on the tumultuous time for students and how arts education gives them tools to embrace change and express their individuality. Kathy Coffey is a retired visual art educator whose 23-year career left a lasting impression on thousands of East Tennessee students across Anderson and Knox counties. Before entering the world of education, Kathy worked as a graphic designer. With a degree in Comprehensive Design from James Madison University, Kathy brought both technical skill and a real-world mindset to her creative classroom. Though many might shy away from teaching middle school, Kathy found her calling in the curious, energetic, and often unpredictable world of grades 6-8. She actively supported student participation in events such as the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville and the Mid-South Scholastic Art Competitions & Awards. She also made sure she embraced the "crazy times" of middle school life, creating a safe and inspiring space where students could explore their creativity and discover their place of belonging. In addition to her work in visual art, Coffey was a passionate supporter of all the arts, collaborating closely with music and theatre colleagues to support school productions, concerts, and arts-focused field trips. She believed deeply in exposing students to the full spectrum of creative experiences—from professional performances and exhibitions to potential careers and college pathways in the arts.  A long-time supporter of the Tennessee Arts Academy, Kathy is a proud member of the TAA Alumni Association and currently serves as a TAA Ambassador, volunteering her time and energy to support arts education across the state. Now enjoying retirement in Oak Ridge, she and her husband, Mike, spend their time traveling, scuba diving, and hiking the trails with their beloved golden retrievers, Bear and Annie. 

Join Kami as she interviews special guest Pollyanna Parker about all the many resources she has learned from TAA year-round programs over the years and how they shaped her career as a theatre educator. This time of reflection will surely refresh your focus as you finish up a year of lasting connections made in your arts classrooms! Pollyanna Parker is an experienced educator with more than three decades of service in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, where she has taught Theatre, Speech, English, Video Production, and Journalism. A dedicated mentor and leader, she has directed numerous theatrical productions, coached award-winning speech and debate teams, and sponsored a range of student organizations, including the yearbook, student council, and Beta Club. Parker graduated from Austin Peay State University with concentrations in Theatre, K–12 Education, Speech, and English 7–12. She has also served for over thirty years as a TAA theatre facilitator, and currently supports the TAA participants as Assistant Theatre Director. She is also the TAA Communications Coordinator and works closely with the on-campus housing teams at Middle Tennessee State University. She is an advocate for arts education in her community and statewide. Recently, she worked hard to get her alma mater's theatre named for her former professors, turned longtime friends, Sarah and Mike Gotcher. Nowadays, when she’s not working hard for the Tennessee Arts Academy, she enjoys a recurring role as “Granny” to her grandchildren.

Join us as Emily McEneely shares how arts education classes are a big opportunity to build community and confidence and how this can be important for both students and teachers. She gives tips on how to make your department more valued and recognized and reflects on how collaboration is key for personal progress.Emily McEneely teaches PK-3 visual art at Sam Houston Elementary School in Maryville, TN. She also serves as the East Tennessee Regional Representative for the TAA Alumni Association. Emily is a passionate advocate for integrating the arts into everyday life. Her artistic journey began in Union County, NJ where she found joy in “making” throughout her childhood leading her to pursue a degree in Fine Arts at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Post-graduation McEneely sought out opportunities in art education, initially teaching in YMCA after-school programs and summer camps. McEneely has taught a wide range of art courses across Tennessee, including 9-12 grade arts in Williamson County, K-4 in Metro Nashville, and K-5 in Sumner County. Throughout her career, McEneely has also been inspired by the connections and networking at TAA and the vibrant, internet-based art teacher community. Whether working with teachers at her school or exchanging ideas with art instructors across the country, she is committed to creating dynamic, engaging lessons that ignite creativity and share the joy of “making” with students every day. Outside of teaching, Emily enjoys spending time with her two children and dog who keep her on her toes.

Join Kami Lunsford as she talks shop with Kerry Vaughn who has some tips for cultivating a relationship with your administration and staff, some must-have resources and tools for the middle school band room, and wisdom about getting our students to commit to progress on a daily basis. Kerry Vaughn is a seasoned band director at Spring Station Middle School in Spring Hill, TN, where he has made a lasting impact for over 12 years. Vaughn has dedicated his career to shaping the musical education of students throughout Williamson County. An accomplished trombonist, he holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment at Middle Tennessee State University.  Passionate about continuous professional development, he has been a dedicated participant at the TAA Summer Institute throughout his career and has served as a facilitator for the Upper Middle/Secondary Instrumental Track at the TAA for the past 13 years. He is a proud member of the Tennessee Music Educators Association (TMEA) and has been an influential leader within the Williamson County Education Association, having served as its past president.

Erica Holmes Darr encourages us to "take a breath" and explore how building community can make meaningful change in our creative spaces! Erica is a passionate and dedicated music educator who began her teaching career in 2003 after earning a degree in Vocal Music Education from Austin Peay State University. Throughout her career, Darr has taught a wide range of music classes to students in grades 5-12, and currently serves as the 7th and 8th grade chorus teacher at Freedom Middle School in Franklin, TN, where she also instructs general music classes that include guitar, percussion, songwriting, and music production. In addition to her classroom duties, Darr is the music director for the FMS Drama program, overseeing musical productions and enriching students' theatrical experiences. Most recently, Darr was honored as the Freedom Middle School Teacher of the Year for the Franklin Special District, a recognition of her commitment to fostering musical talent and inspiring her students.

David Reynolds, TAA Art Facilitator, shares how art gives kids "life tools" that can help them create a better world.  He also gives some really great advice for new & pre-service teachers! David has taught for twelve years and is currently the Elementary Visual Arts teacher at Moore Elementary in the Franklin Special Schools District in Franklin, TN. He serves as Commissioner for the City of Franklin Public Arts Commission, Association Representative for the FSSDEA and TEA, and Tennessee Arts Academy Facilitator. David has presented at the national and state levels, serves as FSSD District representative, and received the Distinguished Service to the Profession Award from the Tennessee Art Education Association in 2021. His classroom work is centered around acceptance and creativity.

Darlene Tanner, one of our West TN Regional Representatives for the TAA Alumni Association, encourages us to unlock the power of choice in fine arts classes!  She is a visual art educator who teaches K-5th Grades at University School of Jackson in Jackson, TN.  Born to missionary parents, she grew up in Japan, and her journey led her to Tennessee where she studied art at Union University.  She and her husband David have raised three children and a llama business, served as Master Gardeners in their community, and built a geodesic dome!

Michelle Tripp, TAA Alumni Association Middle TN Regional Representative, reflects on the power of theatre education and shares some fruitful finds that make performances easier for directors in 2022! Michelle grew up in the Middle Tennessee area and now lives in Murfreesboro. She will begin her 25th year of teaching this upcoming school year and has taught theatre, film, and speech at Page High School in Franklin for the past 14 years. When she is not directing a school or community theatre production, she enjoys spending time with her family and experimenting in the kitchen on new dishes. 

William Bodley, Jr., TAA Alumni Association West TN Regional Representative, reflects on the 2021-2022 school year, and shares with us what strategies he's keeping and which ones he's letting go. William has served as the band director at Treadwell Middle School in Memphis, Tennessee for nine years. Originally from Mobile, AL, he attended Alabama A&M University and continued his education at the University of Memphis studying saxophone. After volunteering at middle and high schools during his time as a performance major, he realized he loved teaching and decided to plant roots in Memphis as an educator. William is also a saxophonist in the 129th Army Band.