An East Tennessee teacher is working to make major changes in the classroom.
Abbey Kidwell is the only teacher chosen to serve on Gov. Haslam's school safety task force.
The group was created in response to the deadly February school shooting in Florida with the purpose of keeping students safer than ever before.
It's made up of 16 people from across the state including psychologists, sheriffs, principals, politicians and one teacher - Kidwell, from Clinton.
"I love loving kids. That's my number one thing every single day," Kidwell said.
Kidwell is a 4th grade teacher in her seventh year of teaching at South Clinton Elementary School. Teaching is her passion.
"It's kind of fun to be their coach and their cheerleader all combined," she said.
That's why when she was asked to help improve school safety for kids across Tennessee, she said "absolutely."
Kidwell has served on the Governor's Teacher Cabinet for three years.
She and around 20 other teachers meet quarterly to discuss ideas and help improve their school districts.
But, she's the only teacher serving on the Governor's School Safety Working Group, offering an important perspective.
"I am the eyes and ears of what goes on in a classroom," Kidwell said. "I know the reality of working with 20 to 25 children on a regular basis, the reality of manning a door, manning a situation, and controlling the environment in a classroom. That's the insight I can bring."
She knows there's no black and white answer when it comes to the best way to protect students.
"There are a lot of moving factors, there's a lot of things to consider," she said.
But her colleagues are discussing a wide range of options, from more efficient lock systems, to more focus on mental health, and the idea of having veterans getting involved.
"It's an honor to be in there as a classroom teacher," Kidwell said. "I feel strongly that the steps that the governor is taking, the steps that this working group are taking, are going to be positive, going to come out with actionable things that we can do."
Until then, her classroom will carry on as usual.
"Schools are safe places, and that's what we convey to them, we filter that every day," she said.
The group's third and final meeting is on Thursday in Nashville.
Kidwell said their goal is to have safety improvement steps lined out for the legislature by the end of that day.