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“The Institute far surpassed even my expectations,” says Claudette Hall. “The Fellows were so excited to have the time to speak with other master teachers about their profession, sharing ideas and best practices. The experience was very powerful, and the feedback from the evaluations is glowing,” Hall states. (Please refer to “Fellows Speak Up.”)
Hall is the Executive Director of the Teaching Fellows Institute, which conducted its inaugural symposium from June 19 –24 at the Duke Mansion and on the Latin campus. The Institute is an independent, 501(c)3 organization that operates in cooperation with Charlotte Latin. The Institute offers outstanding teachers the opportunity to reflect and collaborate with fellow teachers in an enriching and rewarding environment. Teachers from Mecklenburg County independent, parochial, and public schools with at least five years of classroom experience were invited to apply to be selected as one of the first twenty-five Fellows.
During the symposium, the Fellows explored the art and science of teaching, and discussed how their actions could positively impact the perception of the teaching profession. They also were encouraged to become leaders who advocate for educational excellence and become educational spokesmen and community leaders. To determine their individual leadership styles, each Fellow received an extensive, individual evaluation that was based on a self-survey, which was completed prior to the symposium.
“I was so impressed by Carl Henry Schneidt, president of Henry Associates, who prepared the leadership profiles and was our first lecturer. His presentation and the profiles were first-rate, and they energized the Fellows,” says Hall.
“These teachers are absolutely hungry for the opportunity to dialogue with other teachers. We intended for each class of Fellows to meet periodically to continue the collegial spirit of the symposium. This group is so excited that they want to meet monthly,” Hall reports.
The Institute balanced work and pleasure, beginning with a reception and dinner at the Duke Mansion, and ending with a comedy sketch by a famous local comedian, aka Upper School math teacher Jeff Knull. “We had lots of laughter,” says Hall.
Latin launched the Teaching Fellows Institute as its contribution to address a growing national problem. It is estimated that more than one million highly experienced teachers are nearing retirement, and that approximately 50% who enter the field leave within five years. At the same time, the United States will need two million new teachers over the next decade. When interviewed, teachers report that salaries, a feeling of isolation, and a lack of respect, support, and value contribute to the exodus from teaching. The National Education Association reports that too little attention has been given to holding on to the quality teachers...the best and the brightest...the very ones the nation can’t afford to lose.
“Latin has always valued teachers and teaching,” says Hall. “The Institute gives our School community the opportunity to share Latin’s positive model with the rest of our community.”
The Teaching Fellows Institute’s goal is to "honor, engage, and inspire" the best teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Based on its successful inaugural year, the Institute is positioned to make a significant contribution to the teaching profession in our community.
“One of the Fellows, who was considering leaving the profession, told me that this experience had convinced her to remain a teacher,” says Hall. “That’s an important first step.”
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