UTC Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education
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Donations made to the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education will be used to aid teachers and students in their educational journey.
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Our Mission
The Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education (CEIE) convenes and connects UTC's School of Education with K-12 schools, districts, and community partners to strengthen teaching, leadership, and student outcomes across the Tennessee Valley. CEIE serves as the bridge between university-based preparation and the real-world needs of our region's classrooms.
Two Priority Areas:
*With singular commitment, elevating two generations simultaneously.
Academic Excellence
Student outcomes in literacy and math
Evidence-based instructional improvement
Workforce Development
Teacher pathways, pipelines, and retention
Long-term professional growth
Our Four Pillars:
Academic Excellence
Science of Reading partnerships
Math instructional improvement support
Evidence-based coaching & PD
District literacy & math improvement support
Teacher Readiness & Pipelines
Grow-Your-Own programs
"Teachers Like Me" recruitment
Chancellor's Institute
Apprenticeship & residency models
Leadership & Credentialing
Fee-based credentialing portal
Stackable micro-credentials
School & district leadership programs
Policy Innovation
Research-to-practice connections
Education policy advocacy
Systemic improvement strategies
Why the CEIE Matters
- For UTC:
- Strengthens regional footprint, expands enrollment pathways, and generates new strategies and innovations.
- For Schools & Districts:
- Addresses the teacher shortage with multiple entry points and delivers job-embedded PD in literacy, math, and leadership aligned to real classroom needs.
- For Our Community:
- Creates a stronger, more diverse teacher workforce that reflects our students, improves literacy and math outcomes, and strengthens the regional education ecosystem.
Get Involved with the Center!
Whether you are a campus colleague, school partner, prospective teacher, or community supporter, the CEIE is your connection point for transforming education in the Tennessee Valley.
Reach out [email protected] for more information.
News and Updates
Literacy First Student Tutoring Success
The UTC Literacy First Student Tutoring Program at Tommie F. Brown Academy has a successful pilot year. Gearing up for this coming school year the program is expanding with a new group of student tutors. Learn more about the UTC Literacy First Program and meet this year's tutors here.
Welcome Back to School
UTC welcomed the Tommie F. Brown Academy students back on their first day of school. Read more about it here.
Key Partnerships
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's School of Education
- Hamilton County Schools
- The Benwood Foundation
- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Chattanooga 2.0
- Public Education Forward
- Chattanooga Preparatory
- Chattanooga State Community College
Advisory Committee
CEIE Leadership:
- Dr. Allen Pratt, Director for the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education and SOE Director of Strategic Partnerships
- 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.
- Dr. Brittany Fatoma, Community Schools Coordinator
- Ashtyn Cornett, Administrative Specialist
Hamilton County Schools:
- Dr Justin Robertson, Director of Schools
- Dr. Zac Brown, Deputy Superintendent
- Dr. Jesse Gray, Talent Acquisition Director
Benwood Foundation:
- Dr. Keri Randolph, President
Chattanooga 2.0:
- Dr. Sonia Stewart, Executive Director
- Brandon Hubbard-Heitz, Chief Strategy Officer
Public Education Forward:
- Dr. Edna Varner, Interim President
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Dr. Elaine Swafford, Chief Executive Officer
Chattanooga Preparatory School:
- Ja'Keel Daniels, Principal
Chattanooga State Community College:
- Karen Eastman, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs
- Patrick O'Hagan, AVP, Economic & Workforce Development
UTC School of Education:
- Dr. Kim Wingate, Director of the School of Education
- Chris Brown, Field Placement Coordinator and Outreach
