Since 2002, the Alliance has worked to identify the needs of the schools located
in Davidson County in an effort to provide the best possible learning
environments, tools and teachers to help advance the academic achievements of
its students.
Jay Steele, associate superintendant for high schools with Metro Schools, said a
child’s future is one of the best investments a person can make. To date, the Alliance
has given more than $22 million to help support various initiatives designed to
enhance the educational experience of the students.
Programs like the Martin Professional Development Center, a state-of-the-art
center dedicated to the training of staff, which has served as a model for
staff development; Principals’ Leadership Academy of Nashville (PLAN), a training program that works in
concert with Vanderbilt to develop a new breed of school leaders and offers an
exchange program with China; and the Center for Science Outreach, a program for
high school students to fully engross them in the culture of science, math and
engineering at Vanderbilt have already seen great success and have made a
tremendous impact on the community.
One of the newest initiatives of the Metro Public Schools is the Urban Masters
Program, said Steele.
“This program is focused on science, math and literacy teachers in urban middle
schools,” said Steele. “The program will focus on improving instruction and improving student outcomes.
Teachers who agree to teach within the schools for five years will receive a
master’s degree at no charge from Vanderbilt.”
Steele said programs like this are win-win for the community. The money donated
to the Alliance has a direct impact in the classrooms—new equipment, better curriculum, master’s degree-trained teachers and funds to support the strategic direction of the
schools.
“Donations to the Alliance directly affect what is happening in the classrooms,” he said. “Investing in the schools is investing in our students and the workforce of the
future.”
Steele came to Nashville in 2009 to help reform Metro Nashville Public Schools.
He has been instrumental in establishing the Academy concept in the 12
comprehensive high schools.
The Academies focus on high skill, high wage and targeted industries to allow
students to concentrate on a specific career path. More than 7,000 students
enrolled in the program. Students are being matched with businesses and
colleges within the community to assist them once they graduate.
“This is allowing businesses into the high schools to train the future workforce
as well as giving students internships, hands-on experience and knowledge of
corporate ethics and values. We are also equipping them with the necessary
tools to enroll in colleges and universities that are best suited for their
interests and career goals.”
Steele said that by donating to the Alliance, “you are investing in our kids and if we can raise their level of education, then
we all benefit.”
