The Tennessee Conservative · Brandon Lewis

Lowering Educational Requirements For TN Teachers; $165K In Taxpayer Dollars For Superintendent Office Remodel; GOP Demands Accountability For Super Liberal County District Attorney…& Much More!

November 7, 2025·25 min·2 clips

Only 67% of teachers with bachelor's degrees pass the Praxis exam—what does that say about our education system?

Host Olivia presents a conservative news roundup focused on Tennessee state politics and policy. This episode details several legislative proposals, government spending, and local controversies. The host frames these stories through a lens of fiscal conservatism and skepticism of liberal policies. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton proposes lowering the minimum education requirement for K-6 teachers from a bachelor's to an associate's degree. His plan includes an internship component and aims to address teacher shortages by attracting retirees and those who cannot afford a four-year degree. Only 67% of potential elementary teachers with bachelor's degrees pass the Praxis exam on their first attempt. The Shelby County GOP unanimously passed a resolution requesting federal oversight of District Attorney Steve Mulroy's handling of cases from the Memphis crime task force. The task force has made over 2,000 arrests and recovered 93 children, but the GOP fears prosecutorial leniency. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is sending 20 military lawyers trained in immigration law to Memphis to assist the task force. Metro Nashville Public Schools Superintendent Adrienne Battle had her office suite remodeled at a cost of $165,000 in taxpayer money, which included a private bathroom. Former state lawmaker Robin Smith is appealing to President Trump for a pardon after receiving an eight-month prison sentence related to a kickback scandal. Workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga may strike, but the National Right to Work Legal Defense Fund notes employees can continue working due to state protections. At least ten children with extra support needs in state custody were placed in Department of Children's Services offices instead of homes or facilities. The host questions whether lowering education standards for teachers is wise but also suggests higher education may be overvalued. She argues District Attorney Mulroy has a history of left-wing policies, including participation in restorative justice schemes and an agreement not to prosecute those knowingly spreading HIV. The resolution for federal oversight seeks to track prosecution outcomes and plea deals to ensure the task force's work isn't undermined. The host finds the superintendent's office remodel outrageous, especially amid budget concerns and rising property taxes in Nashville. She notes Commissioner Margie Quinn insists children in offices receive proper care but admits finding placements for those with higher needs takes longer. Lawmakers could not immediately obtain data on how many minors stay in offices or how many sexual assaults have occurred there. The tone is informal, opinionated, and advocacy-focused, blending news delivery with conservative commentary. The style is conversational, direct, and designed to engage a like-minded audience. Listeners interested in Tennessee-specific politics from a right-wing perspective will find this episode informative. Those seeking neutral, non-partisan news reporting or who disagree with the host's political framing may want to skip it.

As heard by us

A brisk Tennessee politics roundup tying teacher rules, a costly office remodel, and the Memphis National Guard fight into one week of local accountability.

The episode moves quickly through Tennessee politics, touching teacher-licensing proposals, a $165,000 Metro Nashville superintendent office remodel, a Shelby County GOP push for accountability from the DA, and the National Guard dispute around Memphis.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Tennessee politics with a sharp edge and a taxpayer bill attached.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Tennessee Conservative