By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–It was a “banner” day Friday for Union City Elementary School.
School officials and faculty received their official notice that they’d been named a Reading 360 Model District by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Principal Allison Palmer, Vice Principal Bill Kail and Teacher Leaders Jessica Graham, Tina Grissom and Dawn Taylor unfurled a state-issued banner noting the accomplishment this morning.
With the Tennessee Literacy Success Act passage, the state has placed a heightened focus on early literacy. The Read 360 program emphasizes early literacy and teaching young students fundamental skills.
TNTP – formerly known as The New Teacher Project – provided a $40,000 grant to improve strategies and literary skills. TNTP is noted for helping school districts and states train teachers, design evaluation systems, and retain teachers who have demonstrated the ability to raise student achievement.
More than two dozen UCES teachers underwent 60 hours of state-orchestrated training in the past year, including a “Best Practices” session conducted by the Tennessee DOE. Similar sessions will be offered to faculty this summer.
“Our teachers made a commitment in this area, and I’m so proud that they are able to see the fruits of their labor,” UC Schools Director of Teachers and Learning Rene Flood said after the banner was presented to the school. “They are always searching for ways to get the very best from their students, and their willingness to explore new methods and practices has helped accomplish that goal.
“We will always strive to produce positive results and help our students achieve their potential in all areas.”