From Arkansas classroom dreamer to global education leader

How a Belmont alumnus turned kindergarten teaching into an international journey 

Chris Dickerson, a Belmont University alumnus and Metro Nashville Public Schools teacher, has been named to the International Literacy Association's 2025 "30 Under 30" list, recognizing him among global leaders in literacy education and advocacy. 

"Quite literally from Bowling Green to Bangladesh, this is a list of amazing people who do inspiring work across the world," Dickerson said of the ILA recognition. "I am honored to be in their company and grateful beyond belief to be recognized for the work that I am able to do every day in the classroom, the opportunities I have had with helping young Tennesseans build their home libraries and the lasting impact I hope to have on teacher education." 

‘Generations of Teachers’ 

Growing up in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Dickerson never imagined his teaching career would take him from Chinese university halls to Nashville kindergarten classrooms. But that's exactly where his Belmont University education led him. 

"There have been generations of teachers in my family," Dickerson said. "The importance of education was always instilled in me." 

His path to Belmont began with a connection to Dr. Bob Fisher, former Belmont University president who also hailed from Arkadelphia. Though his family initially hesitated about him moving "so far away," that hometown connection helped ease their concerns enough to allow a campus visit. 

"Once I stepped foot on Belmont's campus, I knew I was in the right place," Dickerson said. "Belmont simply felt like where I was supposed to be." 

From China to Nashville 

After completing his undergraduate degree in sociology with a minor in education in 2017, Dickerson took an unconventional first step: teaching English at Zhengzhou University in China. This two-year experience broadened his perspective on global education before returning to complete his Master of Arts in Teaching at Belmont in 2020. 

"My first teaching role was at a university in a foreign country and my second began with teaching kindergarteners virtually during the pandemic," Dickerson said. "I'm familiar with challenges, but you learn how to apply what you have learned in your training, reflect on your practice and keep growing!" 

Never one to stop learning, Dickerson completed his Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Ball State University. He also serves on an advisory council for the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation, contributing to Tennessee's literacy advancement efforts.   

Building a Personal Teaching Style 

"The College of Education really helped me develop both the skills and confidence to begin my teaching career," he said. "From teaching quick small group lessons in Literacy I&II to practicing Tier 2 interventions in Classroom Management, I felt like I had the knowledge base to go into the field. During student teaching, I was able to implement all of the things I had learned under the guidance of a fantastic mentor, supervisor and faculty members." 

His undergraduate experience included memorable moments in the College of Education. "From my very first education course with Dr. Myron Oglesby-Pitts where we would debate educational issues, tutoring students at Salama Urban Ministries, learning from the fountains of knowledge that are Drs. Flynn, Kimmons and Barton-Arwood, and the amazing student teaching experience that culminated my time at Belmont, I have boundless fond memories," Dickerson said. 

During his undergraduate years, Dickerson immersed himself in campus life. He served in multiple roles within the Student Government Association, progressing from congressman to finance committee chair, then treasurer, and ultimately president in 2016-17. As treasurer, he notably doubled the organization's impact in grant distribution and student reach. 

His leadership continues today as Dickerson serves on Belmont's Teacher Education Advisory Council, giving back to the institution that shaped his career. 

Teacher Preparation Made the Difference 

Thanks to Belmont's comprehensive preparation, which included field experiences built into every course, Dickerson felt ready to face the challenges of leading his own classroom. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment. 

"What I really made sure that I had in my classroom as a new teacher were all the things that brought me joy and peace," he said. "For me, that is my ever-growing plant collection, a tree made with the footprints of my niece on her first Christmas and my scented plug-in. You will spend hours each day in this space, so whatever those special things are for you, make your classroom your own!" 

When asked if he would choose this path again, Dickerson's response is immediate: "I would absolutely choose this path in a heartbeat!" 

"When I get to see something 'click' for my students or when they realize that they are reading, it makes it all worth it," he said. "I go back to thinking of the impact that a teacher can have on just one student and how that impact is multiplied by classes and classes of students over years and years."