Featured Guest Author: Jacob Sorrells, Director of Marshall County Schools
At United Communications, we are focused on making a difference in our local communities. One of our primary initiatives is to provide reliable, high-speed internet access throughout underserved areas in Middle Tennessee via Project UNITE — which has sparked partnerships such as supporting students and teachers in Marshall County Schools. In this blog, Jacob Sorrells, Director of Marshall County Schools, and Chris Spivy, Director of Technology, will share how broadband has made a real-world impact on education in the district.
In the Marshall County School System, our goal is to provide a learning environment that will prepare every student for post-secondary education and career success. Our partnership with United Communications has played a key role in this mission. United’s commitment to closing the digital divide across Marshall County has made a significant difference in the lives of the 5,400 students we serve.
High-Speed Internet Levels the Playing Field for Students
We firmly believe that education is the great equalizer. However, technology can be a limiting factor when so much learning relies on high-speed internet access. Numerous studies on the impact of broadband access on education have found that it can improve students’ academic performance and enhance the valuable digital skills that are essential for our graduates.
Marshall County, like many rural areas, faces significant challenges in providing reliable broadband connectivity. High-speed internet from United Communications has helped bridge this gap. Their expanded fiber network has created new opportunities and helped level the playing field for students, regardless of their geographic location or household resources.
Transforming Education Across Marshall County Schools
Here are a few specific ways that broadband access has made a tangible difference for educators and students in Marshall County:
1. Access to Innovative Programs
Thanks to reliable broadband access, our students can participate in state-funded programs that were previously inaccessible. Marshall County Schools has been recognized as an “Innovative School Model” by the state—a distinction made possible through our internet connectivity. The AP Access for All program allows students to take AP courses online for free. Students can work on these courses at school and even continue at home, preparing them for college by helping them earn valuable credits. Access to dual enrollment classes with local community colleges has also become more accessible for our students because of United’s high-speed internet access. (Dual enrollment allows students to earn college credit while still in high school, expanding their horizons and setting them up for future success.)
2. Enhanced Teaching Flexibility and Innovation
Before the widespread availability of broadband, teachers often faced uncertainty about their students’ internet access. This limited their ability to utilize innovative teaching methods and resources.
With reliable broadband, teachers can now seamlessly integrate online textbooks, interactive learning platforms, and personalized learning tools into their classrooms. This flexibility allows teachers to adapt their instructional approach to meet the needs of all their students.
3. Increased Access to Educational Resources
Broadband access has also enabled us to provide teachers and students with a wealth of online resources. Platforms like Khan Academy provide online tools, videos, and problem-solving tutorials that help both students and teachers grow. We’re able to track how frequently these resources are used, and we’re seeing continuous growth each year.
We’ve also provided each student with a Chromebook so that students can use online learning tools both at school and at home.
Our Vision for the Future
United Communications has continued to focus on closing the digital divide across Marshall County to create more opportunities for our students. They recently announced an additional $12 million investment to expand infrastructure to reach 1,000 more homes and businesses across our county. As a school district, we’re proud to be a real-world example of the difference broadband access can make in the lives of Middle Tennessee teachers and students.
High-speed internet plays a crucial role in preparing our students for a successful future. Thanks to United Communications, Marshall County is moving forward—one connection at a time.
Author Bios:
Jacob Sorrells, Director of Schools, Marshall County School System
Jacob Sorrells has served as the Director of Schools for the Marshall County School System for nearly a decade. Passionate about creating strong learning communities, Jacob spends much of his time in classrooms, listening to teachers, students, and administrators. Before joining Marshall County, he worked as a teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal in Giles and Lincoln Counties. Jacob and his wife, Sandy, live in Petersburg with their four children.
Chris Spivy, Director of Technology, Marshall County School System
Chris Spivy is the Director of Technology for Marshall County Schools, where he leads efforts to bring technology solutions into classrooms and support digital learning across the district. Previously, Chris was a technology teacher, bringing hands-on experience in education to his current role.