Teach Smarter Podcast · Guest
Tequilla Brownie
CEO of TNTP · Licensed therapist and former school social worker
About Dr. Tequilla Brownie
Dr. Tequilla Brownie is the CEO of TNTP, a national nonprofit that supports schools in 39 states and territories on work tied to student outcomes, strong instruction, and real access to opportunity. She oversees TNTP’s strategy, operations, partnerships, and research agenda.
Her path from rural poverty to Yale to leading TNTP shapes her clear view of how public systems support or limit young people. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA TODAY, and on CNN, and she has spoken at ASU GSV, TEDx, and to the National Governors Association.
Before becoming CEO, she spent a decade at TNTP leading major growth efforts and building partnerships with districts and funders. Earlier in her career she worked in Memphis City Schools on teacher effectiveness reforms. She is also a licensed therapist and former school social worker, and holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Memphis.
About This Episode
The 3 Drivers of Student Growth, with TNTP’s Dr. Tequilla Brownie
What actually drives student growth, and why do so few schools get it right? Dr. Tequilla Brownie breaks down the core conditions that help students catch up and move forward.
We talk about expectations, coherence, belonging, and why TNTP’s research continues to reshape how schools think about improvement. Dr. Brownie also shares clear guidance for leaders who want to focus their teams, avoid ineffective approaches, and build the consistency needed for real gains.
We close with a grounded conversation about AI, data, and the decisions schools should be making now.