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Dr. Sandra Cooley-Nichols

The project, “Building Effective Practices in Reading, Mathematics and Writing: Professional Development and Mentoring Support,” increases knowledge and skills related to inclusive classroom practices for teachers who have students with disabilities in their classroom. 

The $150,000 award will serve 30 teachers and 20 administrators from nine schools in Memphis City Schools identified as not meeting annual yearly progress (AYP) requirements where students with disabilities was a subgroup.  Individuals’ participation is voluntary and will be approved by school administrators and the school district leadership.

Each participant will be eligible to earn six semester hours of graduate credit at the U of M College of Education in courses that focus on instruction in mentoring strategies, collaboration, and co-teaching (general and special education instructors working together in the classroom), as well as practical integration of reality-based assignments in reading, mathematics and writing.

“Many teachers do not feel sufficiently prepared for the unique demands of working in an inclusive classroom,” said Dr. Cooley-Nichols.  “This grant will make it possible to provide teachers with the training and support that is critical for ensuring that the needs of all their students, especially those with special education needs, are met.”

The participating administrators from Memphis City Schools will be trained through the New Teacher Center at the University of Memphis.  Dr. Vivian Morris, associate dean of the College and director of its New Teacher Center, collaborated with Dr Cooley-Nichols on the development of the grant and will oversee the mentor training component. The goal of New Teacher Center training is to prepare administrators to mentor, support, and supervise novice teachers.

The College of Education dates to 1912, when the U of M’s predecessor, West Tennessee State Normal School, first opened for the education of teachers.  Today, the College enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its nationally-accredited professional education programs.  In the College’s four departments, 57 degree programs prepare students for varied career paths in education.