The Tennessee State Board of Education on a roll-call vote restored the teaching license of Helen Campbell, who asked the board to reinstate her educator credentials more than five years after the incident that prompted an automatic revocation.

Campbell told the board she had pleaded no contest to a child-abuse-related charge tied to an incident in 2019–20, that her criminal record has since been expunged, and that she has completed counseling and other remediation. "I implore you all to reinstate my licenses," Campbell said in remarks to the board, describing her remorse and the personal steps she has taken since the event.

Staff recommended restoration with stipulations after the case review committee evaluated post-revocation evidence, letters of support and Campbell’s completion of required conditions. Danielle Nellis, deputy general counsel for the board, told members the recommendation is "restoration with stipulation," including required restraint professional development and training before Campbell would resume certain classroom duties.

Board members acknowledged the gravity of the original conduct and the need to prioritize student safety. Vice Chair Cobbins said she empathized with Campbell’s circumstances but emphasized that "on the other end of this situation is a child who was impacted by these actions," urging the licensee to keep that impact foremost. Several members commended the staff’s extensive review and the case review committee’s work in weighing mitigation.

A motion to reinstate Campbell’s license carried by roll call, with the chair reporting 9 ayes and one nay. The board’s formal action restores Campbell’s ability to hold educator credentials in Tennessee provided she completes the stipulated training and professional-development conditions identified by staff.

The board’s vote concluded the district’s disciplinary action at the board level; board staff said the restoration is conditioned on the training and supports listed in the record.

Next steps: Campbell must complete the stipulated restraint training and related supports before resuming any classroom duties identified in the staff conditions, and the board record will reflect the conditions attached to the restoration.