Author

Nick Geidner

Nick Geidner

Nick Geidner lives in Knoxville and has two children. His seven-year-old is entering second grade in Knox County Schools. His younger son turns two in October. Nick is an associate professor of journalism in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media, where he runs the award-winning documentary production program, Land Grant Films.

COMMENTARY
(Screenshot of video by Nick Geidner)

Commentary: Cancel standardized testing during pandemic

By: - October 15, 2020

Three weeks ago, I watched Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee education commissioner Penny Schwinn stand in front of a room full of reporters and say that among third graders reading proficiency rates were down 50 percent and math proficiency rates were down 65 percent. The Governor implied that this staggering result was caused, in part, by […]

(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Commentary: As Governor fails to lead, media and parents must track COVID in schools

By: and - August 26, 2020

The COVID pandemic is like nothing any of us have experienced. As parents, we are tired, confused and scared. We are being forced to make decisions about our children’s education that pit a bad choice against a worse choice, and we grieve for our children who are being asked to sacrifice and accept a “new normal.” But […]