High quality teachers impact lives. We see it everywhere from the most advanced academic studies all the way down to the look on a child’s face when that child begins to learn. May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week and something we always need to remember is that teachers should feel valued for all of the…
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Literacy Coaching for Child Care Teachers Drives Big Wins for Kids
Of all the education investments where Tennessee has seen a positive impact made with public funding, one with the most promise may be early literacy coaching in child care. The state’s child care landscape is a hodgepodge of mixed providers with frontline personnel having varying degrees of experience and ability. Teaching jobs often pay less…
» Read MoreAthletes Aren’t the Only Ones Who Need Coaches
March Madness is behind us for this year but boy what a season! Hats off to Virginia for staying the course and finishing strong. The season finish was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. It was also a testament to good coaching and unrelenting practice, which offers a parallel to excellent teaching. Tennessee…
» Read MoreWaging the Battle for Literacy and Math Proficiency
Early literacy and math are among the greatest predictors of future academic success. That fact can be troubling when one considers that only 34% of Tennessee 3rd graders are proficient in literacy and only 40% in math. But here are a few Tennessee-based examples of people and communities making a difference in early learning. Enjoy…
» Read MoreGreat Teaching is Magic – 8
In education, teachers are where the rubber meets the road. Simply put, teaching is the number one contributor to student achievement. The work of early grade teachers is especially critical to help kids establish a strong learning foundation that enables them to continue strong learning and achievement into third grade. Student proficiency in third grade…
» Read MoreGreat Pre-k Teachers Turn Play Into Powerful Early Learning
About two minutes into a conversation with Lenoir City Schools teacher and Preschool Program Director Melody Hobbs, you start to realize how much she has invested in learning how preschoolers work. “I love the four-year-old mind. I mean, it’s not three and it’s not five. Right?” Hobbs says with a laugh. “I mean, it’s just…
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