Since the University of Memphis’ inception in 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School, investing in education has been paramount. The university began for ‘normals’ (an antiquated term for teachers) and has evolved 112 years later into University Schools.
The District has six schools, notably University Middle School and University High School. Together, they form an Innovative School District and one of the highest-performing districts in the Memphis Metropolitan Area and the entire state of Tennessee. In 2022-2023, University Middle & High led the state in having the highest TN Ready Assessment Rates and overall success rate.
I’m proud to say that The Peer Power Foundation’s partnership has assisted in the progression of academic success in University Middle & High. Since 2020, Peer Power has labored side-by-side with administrators and faculty to create and facilitate research-based best teaching practices for student edification. In addition to the inception of University High, Peer Power’s peer-to-peer approach to tutoring and mentoring has proven beneficial & efficient.
In the Spring of 2024, Peer Power allowed me to return to the family with the role of Program Director at University High & Middle. I was once University High’s Visual Art teacher & this position has allowed me to leverage my existing connections to form a more positive bond with the two schools.
Previously, University High & Middle had 10 Success Coaches, but in Fall 2024, I am overjoyed to announce that we brought 18 Success Coaches across various content areas into the classrooms to limit the student-to-teacher ratio. These highly trained individuals participate in weekly after-school Algebra I tutoring and A.C.T. Prep twice a week. With their participation in important school culture events, they show themselves to be formidable in social-emotional learning and school-based mentorship. In total, they provide 355 hours of tutoring a week. We have received many positive feedback on their maturity and overall preparedness. These Success Coaches have raised the bar at University Schools.
We are proud of our relationship over the last five years and are excited about the many years and opportunities to come.