The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Carter and Moyers School of Education hosted its inaugural Battle of the Classroom. This event brought high school students and educators together to explore careers in teaching.
Organized by Dr. Chessica Cave, interim dean, the event welcomed 55 participants, including 27 students in grades 8 through 12. Students represented Claiborne County, Grainger County, Union County, and Campbell County public schools, as well as Teaching as a Profession classes.
The day began with a welcome session before students rotated through breakout sessions focused on the teaching profession. Topics included choosing teaching as a career, pathways to licensure, technology in the classroom and the admissions process. Additional sessions addressed English language learners, special education, teaching strategies and what to expect as an education major at LMU. School administrators and educators also shared insight on hiring and the interview process.
After lunch, students took part in hands-on competitions that allowed them to apply what they learned. Events included an interactive read-aloud, bulletin board design, mini-lesson presentations and a “Random Resource” challenge in which teams created a lesson using assigned materials. The winning school received the Battle of the Classroom trophy.
The day concluded with group activities, awards and a keynote address from Dr. Jody Goins, LMU executive vice president for administration and a former teacher and principal, who encouraged students to pursue careers in education.
Cave said the event gave students a clear look at the profession and the people who support it.
“The Battle of the Classroom wasn’t just a competition. It offered a meaningful glimpse into the future of education, where passion, creativity and leadership came together to demonstrate what effective teaching truly looks like,” Cave said. “Experiences like this are especially impactful for high school students as they begin to see themselves as the next generation of educators.”
The event also brought together LMU faculty and staff, admissions representatives, local teachers, administrators and Teaching as a Profession instructors. Teacher candidates in LMU’s education program presented lesson plans for students to review, offering a different perspective on classroom instruction.
The Carter and Moyers School of Education recognized donors who supported the event, including Ann Hudson, Brenda Morgan Johnston, Dr. Anthony Maxwell, Dr. Jeffrey Woods, Dr. Ronnie Mincey, Lana Ferguson, Mike and Katherine Cox, Francis A. Jefferies (Pam), Dr. Okie Wolfe and Sherrie Nevils Claiborne.
Feedback from Career and Technical Education directors and Teaching as a Profession instructors was positive, with many expressing interest in returning next year.
LMU thanks the school systems, donors and participants who helped make the inaugural event possible and noted plans to continue the program in the future.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The university’s main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email admissions@lmunet.edu.
