Tennessee, say Hello to LENA Grow
96% of teachers recommend it!
LENA Grow is evidence-based professional development that delivers powerful data without the hassle. Backed by 20+ years of research, LENA Grow focuses on the key marker of quality in early childhood education: teacher-child interactions.
Right Now in Tennessee ...
Only 1 in 11 children
gets the optimal amount of language interaction.
1 in 8 children
spends most of the day in language isolation.
Only 1 in 10 classrooms
provides the level of interaction necessary for ideal language development.
LENA Grow Empowers Early Childhood Education
On the Ground in the Volunteer State
Through partnerships with Signal Centers, the University of Memphis, Porter-Leath, the City of Chattanooga, and Sequatchie Valley Head Start, LENA Grow has reached 1,000+ early learning classrooms in Tennessee. That’s just the start!
LENA Grow's Reach in Tennessee
LENA Grow aligns with TN-ELDS and is in the TQEE Clearinghouse.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. LENA Grow measures — and improves — the teacher-child interactions that play such a large role in classroom quality in Tennessee.
Read the LENA Grow Crosswalk with Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards.
Improving child outcomes, and proving our results.
Studies show that increasing interactions with LENA Grow boosts kindergarten readiness, early literacy skills, teacher confidence, and more.
Children in LENA Grow classrooms were approximately two times more likely to demonstrate school readiness on the BRIGANCE, i-Ready®, and KRA assessments.
Children in LENA Grow classrooms saw significant increases in TS GOLD® early literacy scores.
Teachers who participated in LENA Grow reported feeling significantly more valued as early childhood professionals.
Five Weeks That Change Everything
Teachers are loving LENA
- 92% of Tennessee educators reported increased confidence in their teaching abilities after LENA Grow.
- 90% say LENA Grow increased their overall job satisfaction.
We see LENA Grow program as an important piece of the puzzle in proper language and social development for children in Tennessee.
– Heather Hicks, Executive Director of Statewide Services at Signal Centers
Ready to transform your early childhood program in Tennessee?
Whether you’re ready to implement LENA Grow or just want to learn more, we’d love to connect.
Connect with Jodi Whiteman
Senior Director of Partnerships JodiWhiteman@LENA.org
See the latest resources ...

More Than a Song: How Music Opens the Door to More Conversations
Music is a powerful “instrument” for fostering early literacy, language development, vocabulary acquisition, and reading readiness

Before They Say “I Can”: How Early Conversation Shapes Confidence in Early Childhood
Sometimes, confidence in young children doesn’t always show up in big moments. Sometimes it shows up in small choices throughout their day.

What’s for Lunch: Nourishing Brains and Systems Through Data-Informed Changes
In early childhood classrooms, mealtime menus are designed thoughtfully. Children’s brains, though, require nourishment beyond calories.