The Belk Foundation has awarded $50,000 to support the Charlotte Teachers Institute (CTI), an innovative partnership among UNC Charlotte, Davidson College and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to strengthen teaching and learning in local public schools by cultivating content knowledge, creativity, leadership skills and collaboration among CMS teachers.
"We know that teachers are the single most important in-school factor to improving student achievement," said Katie Morris, board chair of the Belk Foundation. "More is expected of teachers than ever before, and we believe in supporting them as much as we can."
The Belk Foundation has supported CTI since 2010 to help grow the institute’s intensive, long-term seminar program for CMS teachers and expand its evaluation efforts. In announcing this most recent grant, Belk Foundation Executive Director Johanna Anderson applauded CTI Fellows and faculty.
"The Belk Foundation is inspired by the passionate educators involved in Charlotte Teachers Institute, from the CMS teachers to the Davidson College and UNC Charlotte professors,” Anderson said. “They are clearly committed to improving their craft."
CTI Executive Director Scott Gartlan stated, “The Belk Foundation continues to demonstrate an unyielding commitment to improving public education in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.”
Gartlan said this year’s Belk Foundation grant will support general program operations. A 2011-13 grant funded CTI’s extensive program evaluation, including quantitative data analysis; interviews with teachers, professors and students; and seminar and classroom observations.
“Through this impactful partnership, CTI will continue to improve teacher quality, retention and student academic outcomes,” said Gartlan.