Public Education Foundation and Project Inspire Teacher Residency announce that two thirds of the members of its 2023-24 cohort of future teachers are people of color. In recent years, Project Inspire Teacher Residency, which was created by Public Education Foundation, set a goal to recruit at least 50 percent teachers of color because recent compelling research has shown that a diverse teaching force benefits all students and especially students of color, said officials.

“Hamilton County schools, the Public Education Foundation, Volkswagen, and other partners are taking the E-labs globally. The Fab Foundation at MIT has invited two Hamilton County educators to an international summit in Bhutan in Southeast Asia. Michael Stone, Director of Innovative Learning for PEF, said, “Tony Donen and I will be co-presenting at an international conference in Bhutan with a team from Finland and share how we are working to provide the best possible experience in these labs.” Hamilton County Schools, now with 36 E-Labs, is adding more and, within three years, will have a total of 53.”

"Through Volkswagen E-Labs, Hamilton County students have learned the importance of manufacturing and technology. On Thursday, close to 200 teachers from 17 states learned how a project empowers local students for future employment. Michael Stone is the Vice President of Innovation Learning for the Public Education Foundation. He said, “Today, we kicked off the sixth annual Chattanooga Fab Institute. It’s a joint partnership between the Public Education Foundation, Volkswagen group of America and Hamilton County Schools. Where we bring in 175 teachers from 17 states to come and get hands-on experience in the Volkswagen E-Labs here in our community.”

The Chattanooga Fabrication Institute, a three-day seminar at which educators from across the nation gain hands-on digital fabrication experience, kicked off Monday at the Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall. During the conference, attendees visit Hamilton County Schools' various Fab Labs to learn how to use emergent technologies, like 3D and laser printing, and bring those lessons and skills back to their classrooms.This year marks the seminar's fourth anniversary and its first sold-out event with 150 attendees from 17 states. -- Chattanooga Times Free Press, Carmen Nesbitt

Meet Aleena Shahbaz! From a high schooler with a dream to a nursing student making it happen—Aleena’s journey is one of perseverance, mentorship, and the power of public education. Through the Gateway Scholars program, she found the support she needed to navigate college applications, financial aid, and the transition to higher education. Now, she’s on her way to making a difference in healthcare!

NASHVILLE – Thirty-two leaders from higher education, K-12 education, government, business, and nonprofit organizations have been selected for the seventh cohort of the Complete Tennessee Leadership Institute (CTLI), a joint initiative of the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and The Hunt Institute. CTLI is a one-year program aimed at equipping community and state leaders from across Tennessee with the strategies, tools, and knowledge to play a leading role in eliminating barriers to postsecondary education and completion in Tennessee. In partnership with The Hunt Institute, SCORE will provide learning opportunities for the 2022-23 CTLI participants and support cohort members in translating that learning into action. Click here to read the full article.