Her Story
About Natasha
Natasha Teal serves as Manager of Data Operations for the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. In this capacity, she provides data systems and operational systems for the 25 charter schools in the state of Tennessee and ensures compliance for state testing across grades K through 12. Teal began her career in education in 2018 after working in corporate roles and nonprofit after-school programs. She previously taught second grade through Teach for America during COVID. She earned both her bachelor's degree in communications in 2011 and her master's degree in corporate communications in 2016 from Austin Peay State University, where she also served as an adjunct professor teaching public speaking. Teal attributes her success to a strong family foundation and military background, supported by her mother despite personal challenges including a learning disability. She volunteers with the Special Olympics and participates in small community events through her church. Her advice to young women entering education emphasizes claiming a seat at the table to impact change and viewing all experiences as additions to one's professional tool belt.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natasha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a very strong foundation and upbringing from my family and military background. I had a very strong mom who raised three biological children while pursuing her own career during tough times like 9-11. Despite having a learning disability, not being able to read until 5th grade, and having an IEP and 504 plan, my mom stood in the gap and supported me when teachers failed me. This gave me the will and faith to know I could do hard things I put my mind to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received is that whatever you do is you're adding to your tool belt. Everything you go through is an experience that transforms into skills you can apply in any field, whether work-related, interpersonal, or relationship-related. This perspective helped define my identity and allowed me to add valuable tools through volunteer work or other experiences.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Everyone deserves a seat at the table, and while you're there be able to eat and impact change. Don't limit yourself because of a title or because you're not associated with larger organizations or don't have a doctorate. When I sat at the table and spoke, doors opened and people said my name in rooms I didn't know. You're there to give a different perspective and impact change, not just be a yes person.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is providing representation for all cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life in education. Black boys or boys of color are often identified as behavior issues, and I didn't have a Black teacher until high school. We need innovative people from different walks of life who care about the whole child, combat teacher burnout, and get back to nurturing the foundation of education rather than chasing titles.
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