Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Education is partnering with News 2 for the television station’s successful “Take a Titan 2 School” campaign.

Dr. Neporcha Cone, dean of the College of Education, said it’s important for the college to partner in events like this because students are the difference makers of the future.

“As one of Tennessee’s leading education preparation programs, we’re just excited to recognize difference makers across the state. These students represent future and current difference makers, along with teachers and administrators,” she said.

Linebacker Arden Key visited Ms. McFeeley’s kindergarten class at Smith Springs Elementary in Antioch, Tennessee, on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Greeted by cheers and high fives, Key answered questions, showed off his dance moves and encouraged the class to “stay in school and work hard.”

“It was so fun for the kids just to have someone they can look up to, and they’ve seen on TV was huge for them,” McFeeley said. “I’m brand new to Tennessee, and I thought it would be fun to bring a Titan here to the school and get my kids an opportunity to meet someone they can look up to and see their dreams come true.”

Key added it’s important to him to give back and participate in events with students.

“When I grew up, I had events like this, but it wasn’t a lot, but it was a start. I have four kids — four boys — so I know how important it is to come back and give back to the community,” he said.

MTSU gifted McFeeley’s class with lunchboxes, and they also received lunch from Hattie B’s.

MTSU’s College of Education is an award-winning teacher preparation program and is consistently the top producer of “the most effective” teachers in Tennessee.

“Educators are the backbone of our democracy,” Cone said. “They create spaces that foster 21st-century skills such as curiosity, creativity and innovation, which are important to the university and the pursuit of excellence in education.”

“Take a Titan 2 School” continues every Tuesday through December.