Meet Dominique
Dominique McCord-Cotton is a 4th generation Nashvillian & a proud graduate of Metro Nashville Public Schools. She is the eldest daughter of 7 children and a proud aunt of 11 nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Hillsboro High School, she went on to receive her Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville and later received her Master of Education from Lipscomb University. Once receiving her degree from UT, she moved back home to Nashville and became a teacher in the same district she is running in. She is currently a 7th-grade history teacher at East End Prep.
Growing up in Nashville, Dominique remembers questioning why she could not attend school in her community and questioning the inequality she witnessed driving across town to a school in a better district. This experience became fundamental in how she viewed education and instilled the desire to help make education more equitable. Dominique believes education has the power to be the great equalizer.
As a Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C. with the House of Representatives, she quickly saw how people without direct proximity or experience to issues made key decisions. She knew she wanted to be a person who led through direct experience, which started her on her journey as a teacher.
McCord-Cotton has consistently been recognized by the state of Tennessee as a Level 5 teacher, whose students exceeded academic expectations on the end-of-year state test. In addition, Dominique has worked with Nashville Freedom School Partners, and the Fisk Mini College to increase literacy, educate, and inspire the youth. She is an affiliate of the Memphis Lift where she has worked alongside community activists and learned to listen and trust the experiences of the community.
