Cato College of Education

Stories have the power to open hearts and minds. That’s why Natalia Mejia ’20 put pen to paper to tell the story of her study abroad trip to South Africa for the Marian Beane Crossing Borders Writing Contest. While abroad, she was confronted with cultural inequities, the preciousness of education and the power of community […]

Erik Byker, a professor in the Cato College of Education Department of Reading and Elementary Education, is among the 2025 recipients of the UNC Board of Governors Awards for Teaching Excellence. Byker, named the University’s 2024 Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence recipient, stated, “My goal is to guide learners toward a transformation from thinking […]

Ya-yu Lo, professor of special education and child development, and her doctoral advisee Morgan Nichols were recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children for their work in the field of emotional and behavioral health. Lo received the North Carolina CEC Distinguished Service Award for the Division of Emotional and Behavioral Health for her research on behavioral […]

Michael Putman joins the Office of Academic Affairs as the associate provost for academic programs and space, starting Tuesday, July 1. Putman, chair of the Department of Reading and Elementary Education, has served as interim dean for undergraduate and graduate education. He led the development of the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching, Teacher Assistant to […]

Erik Byker and Susan Michael are the 2024 recipients of the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence and UNC Charlotte Award for Teaching Excellence, respectively. “Erik Byker and Susan Michael exemplify teaching excellence,” said Jennifer Troyer, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “They are intentional about creating learning environments where students, no matter […]

The UNC Board of Governors appointed Malcolm Butler, dean of the Cato College of Education, to serve on the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission. His term, which began in July, is through June 30, 2026. The commission is tasked with establishing selection criteria, procedures and awardees for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which is […]

Families, friends and staff recently gathered in Cone University Center’s McKnight Hall to celebrate Niner University Elementary’s first class of fifth grade graduates at their “moving on” ceremony. Sixteen students, dressed in miniature Charlotte green graduation gowns, assembled in the front row of McKnight Hall. Families watched eagerly, their faces filled with pride and anticipation. […]

Angela Preston ’16 Ph.D. ’11 M.Ed. is director of the Mebane Early Literacy Center in the Cato College of Education. A noted consultant, she began her career as a special educator in the North Carolina public school system.

Throughout April, which is National Counseling Awareness Month, UNC Charlotte and the Cato College of Education recognize the graduate students preparing to enter the profession.

Kelly Cartwright recently joined the Cato College of Education as the University’s first Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy.

Cartwright previously served as professor of psychology, neuroscience and teacher preparation at Christopher Newport University in Virginia where she directed the Reading, Executive Function and Development Lab while contributing to the Center for Education Research and Policy.