Cato College of Education

Theresa Perez, professor emerita, Department of Middle, Secondary and K-12 Education, lived her life as a champion for social justice. At UNC Charlotte, Perez displayed a spirit that nurtured and developed the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program. She knew it would be an important factor in improving the lives of immigrant families in the community.

UNC Charlotte’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), the International Honor Society in Education, continued its award-winning streak with a trio of honors at the 53rd Kappa Delta Pi Convocation.Omicron Pi Chapter received its fourth Achieving Chapter Excellence Award, which recognizes Kappa Delta Pi chapters that exhibit outstanding programming supporting the society’s mission.

Teresa Petty will be the interim dean of the Cato College of Education, effective Jan. 16.Petty, who joined the University in 2005, has served as associate dean of the college since 2016. During her time at UNC Charlotte, she has contributed significantly to the college through scholarship focused on online teaching and learning and the impact of national board certification for teachers and their students.

From Anson County to UNC Charlotte and back home again, Kelsey Harris and Alyssa Harris Martini are two sisters with an inseparable bond strengthened by a love of teaching.

Cato College of Education alumna Bonnie Roop ’19 is the 2019 North Carolina Student Teacher of the Year. Roop, who student-taught at Kannapolis Middle School before being hired full-time at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Charlotte, is described as a nurturing educator and careful planner who uses research-based practices and focuses on the individual needs of her students. Her field supervisor lauded her “persistence in making her students feel cared for, believed in and successful.” 

A new book co-researched and written by Cato College of Education professor Tracey Benson is drawing national coverage and acclaim for its incisive look into the role of unconscious bias in K-12 schools.“Unconscious Bias in Schools: A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism,” examines the phenomenon of unconscious racial bias and describes how it negatively affects the work of educators and students in schools.

Kathy Obear, founder of the Center for Transformation and Change, will present “Recognizing and Responding to Micro-aggressions on Campus” at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room.Members of the campus and greater community can register to attend this free event, sponsored by the Cato College of Education.

Identifying students who would benefit from academically gifted services is the subject of a recent study by a team of education scholars, including Cato College of Education professor Michael Matthews.

Identifying students who would benefit from academically gifted services is the subject of a recent study by a team of education scholars, including Cato College of Education professor Michael Matthews.

“Science and religion,” the mention of the terms together conjures up images of fiery speeches or awkward silences. A new podcast created by Cato College of Education professor Ian Binns and colleagues will navigate the strange and fascinating relationship between the two, discovering ways to hold both in mind without compromising on either.