Welcome!

This web site is dedicated to documenting the collective work of educators, school personnel, community leaders, and engaged citizens united in the shared goal of academic success for every child in Knox County, Tennessee. We invite all education stakeholders in East Tennessee to explore these pages to learn more about the various programs and initiatives of the Great Schools Partnership (GSP). Go to About the GSP to learn more. To learn more about Knox County Schools, visit the KCS home page.

On this page: Upcoming dates | News and announcements
Contact us

Upcoming dates

Followup to the "Workforce + Education = Future" summit will take place June 10 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Cokesbury United Methodist Center located at 9919 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Please RSVP to Ahnna Estes at (865) 246-2658.

Monthly GSP Trustee Meeting, Tuesday, May 27, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Knoxville Chamber.
EPEL LEADS Summer Institute June 23-27, 2008. Visit our LEADS page for more information.

Summer 2008 release of the Annenberg Institute of School Reform "Central Office Review for Results in Equity" (CORRE) results. Check back for further details.

News and Announcements:

Chamber releases report: "Workforce+Education=Future"

The Knoxville Chamber has published a report detailing the ideas and strategies gathered on March 24 during the Workforce Development and Education Summit. More information as well as links to the report's appendices can be accessed at the Chamber site.

The summit was an opportunity for businesspeople, community leaders, elected officials, educators, students, parents, and the faith-based community to come together and discuss the important role that education and workforce development have on the future of our economy and society. Read News Sentinel coverage.

The ideas in the report were gathered during the breakout sessions held at the summit. With this feedback, the Chamber crafted a message of next steps in the report, which was a result of collaboration with many partners, including the Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, Knox County, and the Great Schools Partnership.

Topics included effective teaching, making learning relevant, developing a communications strategy, business and community engagement, bridging the gap between higher education and business, workforce training, engaging the under-utilized workforce, and attracting and retaining a quality workforce.

News Sentinel's "business roundtable" focuses on education

Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber and GSP trustee, participated in a moderated discussion published by the Knoxville News Sentinel on April 6, 2008. Edwards and other local leaders from the public and private sector debated solutions to the "ongoing brain drain from baby boomer retirees" and the social and cultural strains on schools that are threatening the economic future of the region. An array of issues are touched upon: international competitiveness, teacher quality and retention, early childhood education, and school finance.

Read the 06-07 annual report

This 12-page booklet in PDF summarizes progress made in all the GSP implementation areas. Through the combined effort of educators, school personnel, local government, and community leaders, the 2006-2007 school year saw a number of exciting developments and outcomes. Read all about it!

New web site features education PSAs

A new web site from the Public School Forum of East Tennessee showcases three public service announcements about raising educational standards in East Tennessee. The message: "Work hard. Learn more."

The commercials, some of which feature Coach Pat Summitt of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, can be viewed directly at the site. The site is supported by the Knoxville Chamber and the GSP.

The mission of the Public School Forum is to serve as a catalyst to help the region achieve public schools that are second to none. The Forum seeks to do this through conducting educational research to determine national best practices, working directly with schools to implement such practices, and encouraging state education policy that is consistent with the Forum's research and findings.

GSP joins science, engineering community in K-12 outreach

A partnership of the educational, business, and scientific and engineering professional communities of East Tennessee has formed to improve outreach in K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The partnership, called Vols4STEM, has established a web-based clearinghouse of opportunities and resources for educators, students, and prospective volunteers.

Current partners of Vols4STEM include the Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE), the Knoxville Chamber, Knox County Schools and the Great Schools Partnership. Read more about Vols4STEM in this chamber news brief, or visit the Vols4STEM home page to learn about immediate opportunities for involvement in K-12 STEM.

For a closer look at a nationwide STEM initiative aimed at girls, check out the Engineer Your Life web site recently launched by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in conjunction with National Engineers Week. The purpose of the site is to encourage academically prepared girls to enroll in undergraduate engineering programs. High school girls can explore 11 different engineering fields, read inspiring stories about female professionals, research college engineering programs, and learn about the best courses to take in high school.

GSP trustee addresses PTA on workplace readiness

Mike Edwards, GSP Trustee and CEO of Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, spoke to parents at the Knox County Council PTA “The Heart of PTA” Founders Day Celebration on Feb.13 at the Teacher Supply Depot. He explained the importance of creating community awareness of the increasing post-secondary and workplace demands that large numbers of our high school graduates are not adequately prepared to handle. Download and read Mr. Edwards’ 2017 Workforce Snapshot in PDF.

The celebration was open to the general public, the business community, and all PTA members. State and local officials presented the latest information about raising high school standards, and a special presentation was made to honor Governor Phil Bredesen for his efforts to improve education. Past and present PTA leaders from across the state were recognized, and Cedar Bluff Middle School students presented a brief drama depicting the founding mothers of PTA.

Slideshows about GSP initiatives now available online

Dr. Rodney Russell, KCS staff development supervisor, recently shared data collected on the county-wide teacher induction program following its first full year of implementation. View presentation.

In addition, a PowerPoint slideshow about the GSP was recently presented by Executive Director Cheryl Kershaw to the University of Tennessee Alumni Association. Download, view, and share this informative presentation about the mission and work of Knox County Schools and the Partnership.

Other GSP presentations and publications may be accessed at About the GSP, under "Presentations and Publications."

Contact us

Send us your news alerts, photos, and any suggestions for making this site better. We welcome your feedback. Contact the Great Schools Partnership now!

For immediate assistance, please call Executive Director Cheryl Kershaw, 865-215-4505.