The Project Inspire teacher residency, a partnership among the Public Education Foundation, Hamilton County Schools and Lee University, is celebrating the graduation of 20 new teachers.
“PEF is proud of these 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,” says Dan Challener, PEF president.
During the past year, each teacher earned a Master of Arts in teaching at Lee University while working alongside a mentor teacher in a high-needs school in Hamilton County.
“We at Lee University have enjoyed working with these students and Hamilton County Schools. This partnership has benefitted all of us, and we’re looking forward to seeing the great work these teachers will accomplish in the coming years,” says Bill Estes, dean of Lee University’s College of Education.
“I’m thrilled to be able to teach at Orchard Knob Elementary and grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me by Project Inspire and Lee University,” says Jonathan Ramirez, a Project Inspire graduate. “Now I have the opportunity and responsibility to teach my students in the most relevant way and remain committed to the community.”
“Our students deserve teachers who want to be here and are committed to being a part of the positive change and culture in our schools,” says LaFrederick Thirkill, principal of Orchard Knob Elementary. “We believe the Project Inspire graduates will bring those qualities to their work, as they have already demonstrated their talent by completing a rigorous residency and impressed us with their strong sense of commitment to us throughout the hiring process,”
The PEF has been training new teachers since 2011, first through the Teach Here residency and now through Project Inspire. With a network of alumni working in schools across Hamilton County, Project Inspire aims to provide a pathway for aspiring teachers to earn a degree in education while serving their community.
All 20 Project Inspire graduates were hired by Hamilton County Schools to teach during the 2018-2019 school year. The majority will work in Opportunity Zone schools.
Barger Academy
Matthew Bradshaw and Kelly Gibson
Clifton Hills Elementary
James Cunningham and Rachel Graham
Dalewood Middle
Makenzie Vandiver
East Lake Elementary
Mary Ann Clelland, Hannah Clem, Whit Miller and Lauren Velo
East Ridge High
Hannah Pell and Amanda Akin
East Side Elementary
Catherine Casselman
Ooltewah Middle
Jennifer Riley
Orchard Knob Middle
Owen Bogolin
Orchard Knob Elementary
Alexis Wyatt, Jonathan Ramirez, and Shaina Ranjan
Red Bank High
Nick Boehm
Woodmore Elementary
Emily Hoffman and Mackenzie Eschmann
Source: The PEF