PEF wants a transformation – of itself and of public education in the region. Using a thoughtful and extensive planning process that began in the winter of 2011, PEF has developed a new strategic plan and a new identity and is thrilled to share both with the community.
“We’ve always been focused on helping improve student achievement, and we are proud of the work we have done in partnership with the school district for almost 25 years. We started a strategic planning process because we recognized that our community is at a crossroads,” said PEF President Dan Challener. “Strong economic development and dramatic state level reform provide a perfect opportunity to continue the transformation of our public schools so that all students can meet world-class standards. We have a new approach to our work, as well as new mission, belief, and vision statements.”
PEF’s board and staff, working with Education First, a nationally respected consulting firm, analyzed extensive data, interviewed 50 local leaders and reviewed surveys from over 1,200 Hamilton County principals, teachers, and leaders. The vision to dramatically improve the level of academic achievement of our children over the next five years will be accomplished through four key goals:
- Develop and support leaders who create superb schools where every student meets Tennessee’s rigorous new standards.
- Develop and advance highly effective teaching so that all students learn in classes that are engaging, relevant, and rigorous.
- Prepare every student for success as a learner, a citizen, an employee, and a leader.
- Inform the public about what does - and what does not - work in the world of school reform and become an even stronger advocate for great public schools.
PEF has categorized its work into four areas: Teaching & Leading; College & Career; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); and Data & Research. There are 15 programs associated with PEF that fall into these categories to help students from elementary school through college and those that help teachers and leaders become even better educators.
PEF has also developed a new logo and has added a new tagline to better reflect its mission. The tagline, Transforming public education, encompasses the nature of PEF’s work, which is more than just a funding source.
“Although PEF has helped to bring more than $60 million in supplemental, philanthropic funding to the Hamilton County school system, we do more than provide funds; we work every day with teachers, leaders, and students to support their work,” said Christa Payne, director of development & external relations. “We hope that businesses, parents, and individuals in the community will join with us to support and transform public education”
Officials said, "PEF feels that although much progress has been made, there is still more to be done and that now is the time to do it. "
“The progress our schools make will define our collective future and determine if our community becomes the place we’ve always dreamed it could be,” said Mr. Challener.
Additional information about PEF’s new mission, beliefs, vision, and goals can be found at a newly-designed website at pefchattanooga.org.