Where the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial candidates stand on education issues

In the gubernatorial race of Tennessee for the year 2026, candidates for the office shared their perspectives on education issues during a Chalkbeat candidate survey. The survey aimed to provide a snapshot of each candidate's stance on matters such as the third-grade reading retention law, teacher retention, and the expanding school choice landscape.

Governor Bill Lee, who is stepping down from office, played a significant role in altering education policy in Tennessee. As a staunch advocate for school choice, Lee championed earlier universal school voucher programs and established the Education Freedom Scholarship program, which uses public funds to support 35,000 students in attending private schools across the state.

Both Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn and Democratic nominee Jerri Green acknowledged school choice as the most pressing education issue facing the state. However, they presented contrasting approaches to the subject.

Blackburn emphasized the need to expand the EFS program to all Tennessee families, arguing that parents know best when it comes to their children's education. She also pledged to alter charter school regulations and criticized "senseless red tape" that she believes hinders charter school operations. In contrast, Green pledged to defund the voucher program if elected, redirecting the funds to Tennessee public schools to raise teacher pay and expand access to support staff such as counselors and nurses. She warned that expanding voucher programs could further widen the educational gap in the state.

Green's platform on education issues highlighted her concerns regarding the voucher program's impact on rural towns and small communities. She argued that taking money away from these schools, which often serve as the community's largest employer, would deprive children in these areas of opportunities. Meanwhile, Blackburn defended the current voucher system, stating that parents should have the right to choose the best educational fit for their child and that private schools receiving EFS funding must be accredited by the Department of Education or State Board of Education, ensuring accountability.

The candidates also addressed the issue of strengthening the educator pipeline in Tennessee. Green proposed creating a new fellowship to recruit young teachers into high-demand areas like special education while increasing support for veteran teachers. She emphasized the need to raise teacher pay and hire more support staff to ease the workload of educators. On the other hand, Blackburn proposed reconsidering Tennessee's current teacher licensure requirements to ensure the state doesn't lose out on potential educators.