Nine aspiring teachers in Chattanooga recently committed to becoming their community’s next top educators in a collaboration between Public Education Foundation (PEF) and the Alabama-based Regions Foundation. At a Signing Day ceremony for PEF’s Project Inspire teacher residency program, the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, awarded a $25,000 grant to support the 14th iteration of this unique workforce readiness cohort.
Signing Day marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Project Inspire residents who agreed to apprentice under expert teachers in local public schools, affirming their dedication to teaching in the schools that need great teachers the most. Project Inspire is known for developing excellent teachers who are committed to teaching in high-needs schools. Four Project Inspire alumni have earned the title of Hamilton County Schools’ Teacher of the Year for three consecutive years.
The newest cohort of the Project Inspire teacher residency program begins with signed commitments to serve as apprentices under experienced Hamilton County Schools educators.
“We are immensely grateful to Regions Foundation for its partnership and support for the next generation of outstanding teachers.” said Dr. Dan Challener, President of Public Education Foundation. “The Regions Foundation grant will help provide the aspiring teachers with the coaching and knowledge they need to help students excel.”
The event convened leaders from Public Education Foundation, Hamilton County Schools, Regions Foundation and Regions Bank, as well as Project Inspire’s alumni and clinical instructor network, all united by the program’s mission to “transform and elevate the teaching profession by seeking diverse, passionate, and talented individuals who want to make an impact on historically underserved students in the Chattanooga community.” Together, they celebrated the aspiring teachers’ commitment to the students in Hamilton County School’s most under-resourced communities.
“A key priority for my Regions Foundation colleagues is supporting education and workforce readiness and that makes Project Inspire an outstanding fit,” said Jason Allen, Chattanooga Market Executive for Regions Bank.
Jason Allen, Chattanooga Market Executive for Regions Bank, speaks during Project Inspire’s Signing Day ceremony.
“Often the difference between those who succeed, and those who do not, is whether they can access the training they need to launch a career. Thanks to the Public Education Foundation, that will not be the case for this new class of teaching residents,” Allen continued. “May your love of learning and your passion for reaching Hamilton County students help you soar through Project Inspire. We applaud you as you achieve your noble goal.”
About PEF
PEF is transforming public education. For 34 years, PEF has worked in partnership with Hamilton County Schools to provide training, research, and resources to teachers, principals, and schools. The PEF mission is to increase student achievement, so all students succeed in learning and in life. For more information, visit pefchattanooga.org.
About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.