PROJECT INSPIRE GRADUATES AND WHERE THEY WILL TEACH
Barger Academy: Matthew Bradshaw and Kelly GibsonClifton Hills Elementary: James Cunningham and Rachel GrahamDalewood Middle: Makenzie VandiverEast Lake Elementary: Mary Ann Clelland, Hannah Clem, Whit Miller and Lauren VeloEast Ridge High: Hannah Pell and Amanda AkinEast Side Elementary: Catherine CasselmanOoltewah Middle: Jennifer RileyOrchard Knob Middle: Owen BogolinOrchard Knob Elementary: Alexis Wyatt, Jonathan Ramirez, and Shaina RanjanRed Bank High: Nick BoehmWoodmore Elementary: Emily Hoffman and Mackenzie Eschmann
Twenty new teacher residents graduated from Lee University last week through the Public Education Foundation's Project Inspire residency program.
The group was the seventh to complete the new-teacher preparation program. All 20 were hired within Hamilton County Schools, according to a news release.
"PEF is incredibly proud of these new teachers beginning their careers in Hamilton County's high-needs schools and grateful that talented individuals from across the country chose to work with students in our community. They have worked hard to reach this milestone, and we know they will continue their teaching careers with the same passion and dedication," reads a statement from Public Education Foundation President Dan Challener.
Six years ago, the foundation launched Project Inspire - first known as the Teach Here residency - to train middle and high school math and science teachers by placing them in classrooms of highly effective teachers for a full school year. After the residency year, Project Inspire graduates are expected to spend at least four years teaching in one of Hamilton County's struggling schools.
The program is a partnership among the Public Education Foundation, Hamilton County Schools and Lee University. It is also part of the National Center for Teacher Residencies network and is an AmeriCorps program.
While working alongside a lead teacher through a co-teaching model, Project Inspire residents are also students themselves. This past year, each of the 20 graduates earned a graduate degree in teaching from Lee, learning new strategies and best practices to meet the needs of Hamilton County students.
"We at Lee University have greatly enjoyed working with these students and Hamilton County Schools the past fourteen months. This partnership has benefited all of us, and we look forward to seeing the great work these teachers will accomplish in the coming years," said Bill Estes, dean of Lee University's College of Education, in a statement.
Thirteen of the graduates were hired to teach in Opportunity Zone schools, including at Orchard Knob, East Lake and Clifton Hills elementary schools.
Teacher turnover is highest in the district's highest-needs schools, reflecting a national trend. During new Superintendent Bryan Johnson's first year at the helm of the district, the Opportunity Zone's leadership team expanded to include a recruitment coordinator solely focused on the 12 schools within the zone.
"Our students deserve teachers who want to be here, and who are committed to being a part of positive change and culture in our schools," reads a statement from Opportunity Zone Principal LaFrederick Thirkill on Orchard Knob Elementary. "We believe that Project Inspire graduates will bring those qualities to their work at [Orchard Knob], as they have already demonstrated their talent by completing a rigorous residency and impressed us with their strong sense of commitment to [the school] throughout the hiring process."
Recent Project Inspire graduate Jonathan Ramirez is one of the three former residents to join the faculty at Orchard Knob this school year.
"I feel immensely happy to be able to teach at Orchard Knob Elementary," Ramirez said in a statement. "Now I have the opportunity and responsibility to teach my students in the most relevant way and remain committed to the community."
Project Inspire's model is one of the best ways to prepare teachers for the classroom, research shows. Residency programs often rank higher among the state's teacher preparation programs than traditional programs at colleges and universities. School districts across the state, and the nation, are grappling with how best to support first-year teachers and improve recruitment and retention rates.
This year, the Opportunity Zone is focused on new-teaching mentoring and coaching, and the district as a whole has revamped its teacher induction program.
In June, the Public Education Foundation welcomed the eighth group, made up of 23 residents who have spent the summer gearing up for their residency year.
Contact staff writer Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.