Events

Every fall, Reach Them to Teach Them holds a huge event to appreciate, inspire, and challenge area educators. Dinner is provided at no cost to our guests; inspirational speakers are invited to share their stories, and free gifts are given to all attendees.

Why do we host these events? We love and value educators. We know what you put into teaching. It’s more than a “job” to you; it’s your calling. We want to equip you to fulfill your role at the highest level possible, so that you can be the difference to the young people in your life and stay in the profession for as long as possible

Our Events

2025 Be the dIFference with Josh Shipp
2024 Unite! with Gerry Brooks
2023 Where the Magic Happens with Brian Reaves
2022 Lift. with Chris Singleton
2020-2021 Covid years
2019 With. with Jeremy Anderson
2018 The Power of a Teacher with Adam Saenz
2017 Right Here! with Rob Miller and Rick Barnes
2016 On Fire! with John O’Leary
2015 Be Somebody with Principal El and Jimmy Wayne
2014 Crash Course with Kim Bearden
2013 Field of Dreams with Roy Firestone
2012 Upside Down with Ron Clark
2011 Be the One! with Manuel Scott
2010 iRock with Robin Creasman
2009 Ignite! with Steve Spangler
2008 It Just Takes One with Don Bartlette
2007 It’s Worth It! with Guy Doud/Truett Cathy
2006 Molder of Dreams with Guy Doud

Battle Pup Stories

From Qwynn White: 8 years ago yesterday we received the diagnosis of Alexander Disease that changed everything for our family, and today we were reminded that Meris is never battling alone.

A few weeks ago, B and I attended Reach Them to Teach Them where we received a Battle Pup to either use in our classrooms/schools or give to a student/someone as a reminder that they never have to battle alone.

Today, Meris received a Battle Pup from an anonymous sender. Thank you, whoever you are, for sending us a little love, hope, and encouragement.

My sweet friend whose husband has been in ICU for 60 days got to finally come home! He had an interim position at Sunnyview Elementary and they sent him this gift basket w a battle pup! 🐶 🙌🏻🙏🏻 Keri had no idea the story behind it other than what was on the card until I shared it with her! She was so touched by it!!! What an unexpected, special blessing to get to share Mom’s story, how you used them to bless/encourage others at RT4, and now their family too!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

I am a second grade teacher and one of my sweet students was diagnosed with a mass growing in the center of her brain in September. This mass has caused headaches, migraines, and exhaustion, but EVERY DAY she shows up and works so hard to learn. Her surgery is December 3, 2024 to remove “Trouble” (as she has nicknamed it). I gave her the Battle Pup I received at Reach Them to Teach Them 2024. I want her to know that when she needs strength, she has a Battle Pup to lean on. She is not a lone warrior. She has a classroom and school behind her cheering her on and ready to help her and her family every step of the way.

Thank you for all you do. I wanted to share that my 60 students are all receiving BATTLE PUPS for Christmas thanks to you introducing them to us in Knoxville and thanks to my family and friends generously donating $620 to help me buy Christmas gifts for my students!