PEF Announces 2025 Fund for Teachers Fellows
For the 14th consecutive year, Hamilton County Schools teachers have been awarded grants for self-designed summer fellowships to enrich student learning. Public Education Foundation (PEF), in partnership with Fund for Teachers (FFT), is proud to announce the 2025 FFT Fellows: 11 Hamilton County public school teachers who will travel around the world this summer to pursue learning experiences they designed in response to the needs of the students they serve. Their fellowships will bring new ideas, global perspectives, and deeper engagement to hundreds of students for many years to come.
Hamilton County Teacher Residency Program Faces Sudden $400,000 Cut Via DOGE
Despite the loss, the program is not shutting down. Cohort 15 — the incoming class — signed on May 1, and Challener said the group's experience will be "extraordinary." Every member of Cohort 14, the outgoing class, is set to graduate this summer and has been hired to begin teaching in Hamilton County Schools this August. "We'll make it happen," Challener said. "The program may change a little bit, but we'll make it happen."
DOGE Cuts Funding to More than 1000 Americorps Programs
The Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE, terminated funding for more than 1,000 AmeriCorps Programs nationwide. Public Education Foundation President Dan Challener says this includes the local public education foundation teacher residency program, Project Inspire. Challener says the news came Monday afternoon with no specific reason why. “We're just shocked that a thousand programs, 35,000 people, were told to not come back and continue their work in their communities with less than five hours' notice,” said Challener
VW eLab Showcase Demonstrates Innovation in Hamilton County Schools
More than 150 Hamilton County students showcased their skills Thursday at the VW eLab Showcase, made possible through a partnership between PEF, Hamilton County Schools, and Volkswagen. VW eLabs bring hands-on STEM learning to local schools. Through this collaboration, schools have access to state-of-the-art VW eLabs, where students gain real-world experience with robotics, 3D printing, and design software. At the showcase, students proudly presented their projects demonstrating the creativity and problem-solving skills these labs help cultivate.
Bright Futures Blog: Aleena Shahbaz’s Journey to Nursing School
Meet Aleena Shahbaz! From a high schooler with a dream to a nursing student making it happen—Aleena’s journey is one of perseverance, mentorship, and the power of public education. Through the Gateway Scholars program, she found the support she needed to navigate college applications, financial aid, and the transition to higher education. Now, she’s on her way to making a difference in healthcare!
Project Inspire Continues Recruiting and Training New Teachers of Color
Public Education Foundation's (PEF) ongoing efforts to recruit and train teachers of color is paying big dividends. A prospective new teacher has returned to Orchard Knob Elementary School, where she was a student not that long ago.
Shaquita Stalmaker is living the dream, training to be a teacher in the school she attended through fifth grade. She is part of the Public Education Foundation's teacher residency program, Project Inspire.