UTC RAVE Alert

UTC Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education

The Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education (CEIE) 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.

Advisory Committee

 

CEIE 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.
  • Ashtyn Cornett, Administrative Specialist
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

 

Advisory News

May Advisory Meeting - 

The advisory committee had a great brainstorming session and created four scrum groups where many members volunteered to contribute their knowledge and expertise. In each scrum group, advisory members will work together to dive deeper into the core of the Center and determine next steps in regards to their chosen group(s). The advisory committee will meet back up in July to discuss each group's findings and ideas.

Scrum Groups:

  • Literacy
  • Teacher Training & Pipeline
  • Leadership Pathways
  • Policy & Systems

 

Upcoming Events

 

July Advisory Meeting

TBD

School of Education

School of Education