Top Teachers for Tennessee

MEET THE CHALLENGE

Research data over and over again shows that the teacher is by far the most important factor in student learning. Facilities, curriculum, and computers can make a difference, but without highly qualified enthusiastic teachers students do not achieve the needed goals. At UT Knoxville the Top Teachers for Tennessee Scholarship fund has been created to provide financial assistance to individuals enrolled in the teacher intern program.

The fund was started in response to a one million dollar challenge by successful Knoxville businessman, David T. Bailey. Mr. Bailey, who considers investing in teachers a smart business move, challenges others to “Give NOW,” because the need for good teachers is critical and the interest rate on savings accounts and stock market investment is negligible. By investing in the preparation of teachers, Bailey sees a “…multiplier effect of hundreds and hundreds of students whose lives are touched in significant ways.”

Bailey has made a personal commitment of one million dollars for teacher intern scholarships at UTK and is challenging others to invest in Tennessee’s future by contributing to the Top Teachers for Tennessee Scholarship fund. You can invest in this fund now by clicking on this link or by calling the UTK Development Office at (865) 974-3968.

In Tennessee there are 41 higher education institutions that have teacher preparation programs and a number of them have taken steps to improve the quality of their graduates. The program at UTK is demanding. It requires a full year internship in a public school following the completion of the bachelor’s degree in the future teacher’s chosen subject area. The Top Teachers for Tennessee Scholarship fund is being used solely to provide financial assistance to these interns.

"I owe my future academic and professional success to the benevolence of private donors such as yourself, those who care enough about education to help provide for tomorrow’s teachers."

Erin Denise Geller 2003 Scholarship Recipient Teacher Intern, Halls High School

Other Tennessee colleges and universities with teacher preparation programs include:

Aquinas College	LeMoyne-Owen College
Austin Peay State University	Lincoln Memorial University
Belmont University	Martin Methodist College
Bethel College	Maryville College
Bryan College	Middle Tennessee State University
Carson-Newman College	Milligan College
Christian Brothers University	Rhodes College
Crichton College	Southern Adventist University
Cumberland University	Tennessee State University
David Lipscomb University	Tennessee Technological University
East Tennessee State University	Tennessee Wesleyan College
Fisk University	Trevecca Nazarene College
Freewill Baptist Bible College	Tusculum College
Freed-Hardeman University	Union University
Hiwassee College	University of Memphis
Johnson Bible College	University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Kings College	University of Tennessee at Martin
Lambuth College	University of the South
Lane College	Vanderbilt University

Contact CEHHS

335 Claxton Complex 1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718