River City Partnership Launches New Initiatives to Enhance Teacher Training and Improve Student Achievement

July 18, 2018 - The River City Partnership, a collaboration between the University of Memphis College of Education and Shelby County Schools (SCS), has launched two new initiatives this summer: a Master of Education degree program in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership and a Teacher Cadet Summer Bridge Program for SCS high school students.

The new initiatives are designed to bolster the mission of the River City Partnership, which is designed to improve teacher education, increase diversity in the teaching workforce and improve SCS student achievement. Both programs include a strong focus on social justice and equity in education while supporting the development of curriculum content and cultural competence.

"One of our primary goals in the College of Education is to be responsive to our P-12 and community partners, and the River City Partnership is just one example of our collaborative efforts," said Dr. Kandi Hill-Clarke, the college's dean. "The River City Partnership is reflective of our motto in the College of Education: 'We are driven by excellence, equity, innovation and action.'"

Twenty elementary mathematics teachers from SCS will participate in the new Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership. This intensive program will help teachers master the Eureka Math curriculum, improve their teaching skills and increase student achievement in math classes.

The Teacher Cadet Summer Bridge Program is a week-long experience to help rising high school seniors from SCS learn about teaching careers in urban settings and explore programming at the UofM College of Education.

The new initiatives were collaboratively developed and designed by College of Education faculty and staff along with SCS administrators and practitioners. Support and insight were also provided by faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences and College of Communication and Fine Arts.

For more information about the River City Partnership, visit https://www.memphis.edu/education/about/rivercity.php.

CONTACT

Chuck Gallina | 901.678.1756 l cgallina@memphis.edu