UTC Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education

The Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga drives solutions for today’s education challenges. Through strategic partnerships, research, and hands-on programs, the center advances literacy, prepares educators, and develops innovative ideas to support K-12 students and teachers across the region.

Our Focus Areas

• Educator and Leader Preparation
  Equipping future teachers and school leaders with cutting-edge training, hands-on experience, and support to meet the needs of today’s classrooms.
• Literacy Instruction
  Advancing research-driven approaches to reading education, helping students build strong literacy foundations that shape academic success.
• Policy and Technical Support
  Providing expertise to schools and districts on best practices, curriculum development, and leadership strategies to improve educational outcomes.
• HCS Engagement Schools/Labs
  The CEIE and the SOE will work and learn from our lab schools of engagement. We will work with teachers, administration, and staff to support their learning communities.
• Innovative Approaches to Solve Problems in Our Public Schools
  Creating new ways to educate and engage students, teachers, and administrators to develop an approach to design thinking. 

University High: A New Approach to High School
A key initiative of the center, University High launched in fall 2023 as a partnership between UTC and Hamilton County Schools. This no-cost program enables high school juniors to take college courses on UTC’s campus while completing their high school education. Students can earn 12 to 18 college credit hours, gain exposure to university-level academics, and receive mentorship from faculty and advisors. University High is designed for students who may be first-generation college students, face financial barriers, or seek a new approach to learning.

Leadership

• Dr. Allen Pratt – Interim Director
  Brings expertise in rural education, school leadership, and strategic partnerships. Also recently served as executive director of the National Rural Education Association.
• Dr. Yvette Stewart – Literacy Director
  Former K-12 literacy leader focusing on evidence-based reading instruction and educator training.

CEIE Advisory Board:

Hamilton County Schools:

Dr Justin Robertson, Director of Schools

Dr. Sonia Stewart, Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Zac Brown, Chief Talent Officer

Dr. Jesse Gray, Talent Acquisition Director

Benwood Foundation:

Sarah Morgan, President

Chattanooga 2.0:

Dr. Keri Randolph, Executive Director

Public Education Foundation:

Dr. Dan Challener, President

Dr. Edna Varner, Senior Advisor

UTC School of Education:

Dr. Kim Wingate, Director of the SOE

Chris Brown, Field Placement Coordinator and Outreach

Brittany Holder, Director of Development, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies