Charlene Sands Russell, Ed.D.’s Post

We are thrilled to announce that the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center has been awarded a $500,000 grant as part of the University of Tennessee System's Grand Challenges initiative! 👏 This competitive funding opportunity is designed to tackle some of Tennessee’s most pressing issues, and we’re honored to be a part of the effort to advance K–12 education in the state. Our grant-funded project, the Grow Your Own Collaboratory, aims to address Tennessee’s educator shortage by enhancing the professional development of mentor teachers — an essential step in retaining novice teachers. Over the next two years, this project will: ➡️ Design, implement and refine a co-created summer mentor teacher training retreat. ➡️Conduct research to evaluate the retreat’s impact on teacher satisfaction and retention. ➡️Build a sustainable mentor teacher professional development program to be scaled statewide through the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center. Learn more! ➡️ https://bit.ly/4giBQvp

The first-ever HBCU Early College Prep High School is launching in NYC in September 2025! 🎓✨ It’s the first HBCU Early College Prep in a major metropolitan city where an HBCU does not exist, and it’s giving students an incredible opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma AND an Associate’s Degree—for FREE! 💼📚 This historic initiative, led by DSU alumna Dr. Asya J., is a true game-changer for education and HBCU excellence. We can’t wait to see the positive impact on students and the community! Repost @radioshach: 🚨 Breaking HBCU News‼️ 🚨  In September 2025, history will be made with launching the first-ever HBCU Early College Prep High School in New York City, @hbcuearlycollegeprep! 🎓✨️ In partnership with Delaware State University, this groundbreaking initiative offers an accelerated high school experience where students will graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree—all for FREE! 💼📚 Led by DSU Alumna, Interim Acting Principal @dr._ajohnson, this innovative educational model will be the first of its kind in any major metropolitan school district nationwide. 🌍🏫 Get ready to see HBCU excellence thrive in NYC! 🗽🖤❤️🧡💚🗽

"Every once in a while, an afterschool program comes along that truly changes the way we do school...one of those programs is Higher Achievement." - Principal Kerry Richardson, Brookland Middle School Higher Achievement is more than an afterschool program — it's a critical partner in education, empowering scholars to achieve their academic and personal goals. As Principal Richardson shares: "[Higher Achievement's] impact on our school community has been significant. From bringing in guest speakers and lecturers, helping students through the high school application process, giving them interview skills, to hosting high school fairs. It's really been a one-stop shop for families, and I can't imagine that we would be able to do the work to the degree and the scale that we've been able to do it without Higher Achievement's help." Together, with schools, families, mentors, and supporters like YOU, we’re building a world where ALL students have access to the opportunities they deserve. Join us in supporting their bright futures. Consider making a gift or learning more about how you can partner with Higher Achievement: https://lnkd.in/enpk2WMU

Check out NMSU's First Gen Celebrity Spotlight ✨️ "Not only does NMSU promote the presence of the first-generation students, we are committed to increase the visibility of our first-gen faculty and staff community. November 8, 2024 marks the 59th anniversary of the Higher Education Act. Institutions around the country will be celebrating the presence and experiences of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff at their campuses. NMSU’s 6th annual first-generation celebration begins by spotlighting its system-wide, first-generation college students on November 5 and continuing with its annual first gen celebration event on November 7. Who is a first-generation college student? An individual both of whose parent(s) or legal guardian did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree. -Higher Education Act -Federal TRIO Programs" https://lnkd.in/g9p7dy6k

What is Individual Education Plan (IEP) see the result #IEP #inclusiveeducation

Minnesota Virtual Academy/Houston Public Schools, led by Superintendent and Head of School Mary Morem, is redefining education through innovative partnerships. 🤝 🎬 Students are launching a student-led business at Spring Grove Cinema, gaining real-world entrepreneurial skills while giving back to their community. 🚛 Seniors are earning CDL certification through a Southeast Technical College partnership, addressing workforce needs and preparing for in-demand careers. With creative grant funding and collaboration across schools, these efforts highlight the power of education to transform lives and communities. Read more about Minnesota Virtual Academy and its partners empowering the next generation of changemakers here: https://bit.ly/42bfsA5

In a collaboration between the Big Ten, the College Football Playoff Foundation and the Indiana Sports Corp, 15 Indiana teachers received grants to support a classroom project and resources at their schools. The $40,000 total grant aims to support and celebrate innovating teaching and learning.

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our "Grow Your Own" teacher preparation program! We're partnering with local school districts to provide a pathway for existing paraeducators to earn their teaching certificates, special education endorsements, and master's degrees all while maintaining their district employment. These partnerships address critical workforce needs while simultaneously tapping into and building on existing community resources. Our first cohort will begin the summer of 2025. Watch what we're doing at St. Martin's to create teacher preparation pathways for the future!

🎙️New WOCTalk Episode🎙️ Get ready for the next scholarship cycle opening this February! Linda Reynolds, Chair of the WOCN Scholarship Committee, shares insights into available scholarships, tips for first-time applicants, and advice on crafting standout applications. 🎧 Listen now: https://hubs.la/Q033D85Q0

Reflecting on April... Began the month in NOLA for National School Boards Association and heard keynotes from Ruby Bridges and Tim Shriver, traveled to Lockport (IL) where the EOS partnership has supported a year-1 increase of 24% participation in AP, and heard Jason Green ('solutions must be future-forward') keynote the Multicultural Student Achievement Network's Institute, in Madison. Takeaways: ~Relying on past practices and outdated models only serves to perpetuate existing inequities and limit the potential of students.   ~To impact educational equity, we must embrace a 'future-forward' approach that breaks away from traditional and outdated teacher practices and assumptions about students’ academic potential.   ~By looking forward, we can envision a more inclusive and equitable educational system that meets the needs of all learners, regardless of their background or circumstances.   ~It is essential that we challenge the status quo, rethink our assumptions, and explore new ways of approaching education that are more responsive to the diverse needs of students.   ~By embracing a 'future-forward' mindset, we can create a more dynamic and inclusive educational landscape that empowers all learners to thrive and succeed in their post-secondary pursuits. It's not too late to engage with Equal Opportunity Schools and join our dynamic cohort of high schools for the 2024-25 school year.