Important Dates for 2026
Below are key dates and deadlines for TSEA events, scholarships, elections, and the Representative Assembly.
TSEA Legislative Summit
Nashville, TN | February 4–5, 2026
TSEA will hold an in-person Legislative Summit on February 4–5, 2026, in Nashville. This two-day event combines Lobby Day–style legislative visits with live interviews of candidates running for Governor of Tennessee.
Attendees will arrive Wednesday for meetings with legislators, followed by a Board meeting and a statewide Legislative Dinner. Thursday will include gubernatorial candidate interviews led by the TEAM PAC panel, followed by discussion and an endorsement vote by chapter presidents.
Each chapter is allowed six attendees, including the Chapter President. Registration and lodging details will be sent to chapters for members traveling more than 50 miles.
TSEA Scholarship Application Timeline
February 13 – March 31, 2026
One of TSEA’s valuable membership benefits is its annual scholarship program.
For 2026, TSEA will award:
- 21 scholarships of $1,000
- One $1,500 scholarship to a student majoring in Criminal Justice, honoring the life and work of TSEA member and TDOC employee Debra K. Johnson
- One $1,500 scholarship to a dependent of a Tennessee State Trooper, honoring the life and work of TSEA member and Tennessee Highway Patrol employee Rod Sharp
Scholarships are awarded to deserving high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are dependent children of active or retired TSEA members, or to TSEA members who are eligible once they have at least one year of TSEA membership at the start of the scholarship cycle.
Awards are not renewable; however, non-winning students may reapply each year if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Applications are accepted online only.
Beginning in January, members may request an application by calling 1-800-251-8732 or emailing [email protected].
Completed applications must be submitted by midnight on March 31, 2026.
Board Nominations Deadline
Monday, March 2, 2026
TSEA Board of Directors positions up for election in 2026 include: President, Secretary, Treasurer, and District Directors for Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 (even-numbered districts).
Nominating petitions must state the position sought, be signed by the nominee, and include signatures from at least 25 valid TSEA members. Completed petitions must be received at the TSEA office by Monday, March 2, 2026.
Nominee Requirements:
- President: Must have been a member in good standing of TSEA for at least three (3) consecutive years immediately preceding the nomination deadline and must have served at least one (1) year in an elected capacity at the State Board level.
- Treasurer: Must have a financial degree and/or at least three (3) years of financial or accounting work experience.
- All other positions: Must have been a member in good standing of the Association for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the nomination deadline.
By the deadline, candidates must also submit a photograph and complete a bio form for inclusion in The Co-Worker and on the ballot.
The deadline to provide a home email address to receive an electronic ballot and the deadline to request a paper ballot is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
If any Board races are contested, electronic voting will open and paper ballots will be mailed on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Election Day for counting all electronic and paper ballots is Monday, June 1, 2026.
To request a nominating petition or bio form, contact Linda Darden at [email protected] or call 1-800-251-8732.
TSEA 2026 Representative Assembly
June 11–13, 2026 | Franklin, TN
TSEA’s 2026 Representative Assembly will be held June 11–13, 2026, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tennessee.
Chapters should begin discussions regarding participation, delegate attendance, and transportation. Details on the number of allowed delegates will be sent to chapters in early March, with delegate registration materials following in early April.
The deadline to register for the 2026 Representative Assembly (attendance, lodging, and guaranteed annual leave) is Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
