September 4, 2025
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
Dana Lester, an ESL instructional coach at Roy Waldron Elementary, has been selected to serve on the Tennessee Department of Education’s English Learner Educator Working Group.
Lester was selected from a competitive pool of applicants across the state. A 23-year educator, she is in her fourth year at Roy Waldron.
The working group was designed to address issues impacting English Learners and their teachers. The group will focus on intensive language instruction and service time for English learners and supporting rigorous content instruction in general education classrooms, according to the state Department of Education.
During her career, Lester has taught grades K-2 and served in specialized roles such as RTI interventionist, media specialist and ESL teacher.
“These experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective on supporting students at various stages of their educational journey,” Lester said. “I am excited about the opportunity to share my voice on behalf of our English Language Learners and to collaborate with other educators who bring an ESL background and expertise. I look forward to working together to strengthen support systems, elevate instructional practices, and advocate for the success of multilingual students across Tennessee.”