Press Materials

Three years ago, Memphis City Schools and the Memphis Education Association embarked on a serious effort to transform our schools by increasing effective teaching. That means asking more of ourselves, our students, and our teachers.

Because teachers are the greatest in-school factor in whether our children will achieve academically, teachers have been asked to contribute the most to the reform efforts. We are holding our dedicated and hard-working teachers to even higher standards, and asking all of them—from new teachers who may be struggling to those who are leaders in the field—to continuously grow and develop their skills. Our students deserve nothing less.

As a community, we cannot let our teachers shoulder this burden alone. “I Teach. I am” is about engaging all of Memphis in better supporting our teachers. It is time we recognized them for the talented individuals they are, and honored teaching as the profession and the calling that it is.

Through “I Teach. I am” we are bringing the inspiring stories of our educators into the public square. We are showing Memphians the faces of the teachers who do so much for our children in the classroom, day after day.

To arrange an interview with one of our featured teachers, contact Heather Danielson at 901-416-5628.

Op Eds from Memphis Leaders:

• Former TEI Executive Director David Hill, "Teacher Effectiveness Initiative is right path," The Commercial Appeal, November 11, 2011
• Superintendent Kriner Cash, "State's endorsement lifts Memphis Schools," The Tennessean, July 17, 2011
• Deputy Superintendent Irving Hamer, "Collaboration Is Essential in Public Education," Education Week, July 15, 2011
• Superintendent Kriner Cash, "Reform and diligence foster 'paragons,'" The Commercial Appeal, May 26, 2011
• Deputy Superintendent Irving Hamer, "Memphis schools make quick gains," The Tennessean, April 29, 2011
• TEI Executive Director Tequilla Banks, "New evaluations will benefit teachers," The Commercial Appeal, April 9, 2011
• Deputy Superintendent Irving Hamer and MEA Executive Director Ken Foster, "Talking in Memphis: When schools and unions team up, students win," The Christian Science Monitor, April 4, 2011

Press Kit Materials