About

Our Mission.

The mission of Tennessee Adult Education is to provide the 464,174 individuals over the age of 18 who have not received their High School Equivalency Diploma the most convenient, effective, and up-to-date classes--whether by attending classes or through the distance learning program, HiSET Academy, --free of charge. In Southeast TN alone there are over 46,721 adults 18 years and older who do not have a high school diploma. Tennessee Adult Education prepares individuals for post-secondary school and the opportunity to be gainfully employed.

Meet our leaders

Leslie Travis
Program Director
[email protected]

Director of TCAT Athens Southeast Tennessee Adult Education covering Bledsoe, Hamilton, Marion, Rhea, Sequatchie, and Van Buren Counties. Leslie has been in the education field for 20 years and also serves as a member on the Southeast Development District Board.

Grant Roddy
Assistant Program Director
[email protected]

Assistant Director of TCAT Athens Southeast Tennessee Adult Education covering Bledsoe, Hamilton, Marion, Rhea, Sequatchie, and Van Buren Counties. Grant has been in the education field for 32 years. He proudly serves all of our Hamilton and Marion County locations.

Kelly Gould
Lead Instructor
[email protected]
Kelly serves Rhea, Bledsoe, Sequatchie, and Van Buren Counties.

Christine Celis
IELCE/ESL Lead Instructor
[email protected]
Christine serves Hamilton and Marion Counties

Crissy Caldwell
Lead Instructor
[email protected]
Crissy serves Hamilton and Marion Counties.

Melanie Smith
Workforce Career Pathways Coordinator
[email protected]
Melanie serves Hamilton, Marion, Rhea, Bledsoe, Sequatchie, and Van Buren Counties

We're Here for You ALWAYS
Our staff with AE strive to go above and beyond for our students. Know you are never alone and that we are always here to help you!