Kevin Huffman at TEDxNashville

Kevin Huffman has served as Tennessee's Commissioner of Education since April 2011. Prior to his appointment, he spent nearly two decades working with public education systems as a teacher, lawyer, non-profit executive, and non-profit board member.

During his tenure, Tennessee has seen significant growth on its TCAP assessments. Additionally, on the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress, Tennessee had the largest gains across fourth and eighth grade math and reading of any state in the country. Under his leadership, Tennessee was one of the first states to receive a waiver from No Child Left Behind, the state implemented a rigorous evaluation system focused on feedback for teachers, and the state continued a focus on higher standards through the Tennessee Diploma Project and the Common Core State Standards.


About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)