🚨 UPDATE: Project Inspire lost AmeriCorps funding on Monday, April 28th. Learn how this affects the program and what you can do.
Behind every student success is a teacher who believed in them.
Student success is always worth investing in; teacher preparation programs like Project Inspire are a vital part of that. With a commitment to serving some of Hamilton County's hardest-to-staff schools, Project Inspire has helped transform the culture in those buildings and improve student outcomes.
Chandler Brooks-Davis
The Howard School
Project Inspire Cohort 9
What Sets Us Apart
About Project Inspire
Project Inspire recruits highly qualified individuals who embody the core qualities of an effective teacher—most importantly, an unwavering belief in the potential of all students.
That belief is put into action through a year-long, paid residency in a Hamilton County school, where residents co-teach with an experienced mentor teacher, earn a teaching license and Master’s degree, and receive intensive coaching and support. This rigorous model ensures that by the time residents lead classrooms of their own, they are ready to teach with skill, confidence, and heart.
6
Honored as Teachers of the Year for three consecutive years—including 5 district-wide winners and one statewide recipient.
150
Alumni and Current Residents are Currently Teaching in a Hamilton County School.
90%
Graduates who remained in a high-needs school for 4 years or more
100%
Principals agree that Project Inspire residents improve student achievement and school culture.
We Need Your Help
By July 20th, we need to raise $125,000 to support future teachers in Hamilton County.
$125,000
FAQ
AmeriCorps is a federally funded national service program that supports thousands of local organizations through stipends, education awards, and grants. In teacher residency programs like Project Inspire, AmeriCorps helped offset the cost of living for residents through small stipends and education benefits while they served in local classrooms.
In Spring 2025, AmeriCorps made an abrupt, nationwide decision to cut funding to over 1,000 programs—including Project Inspire. This was a national administrative decision and not a reflection of Project Inspire’s performance or impact.
No. Project Inspire is continuing without interruption. While the loss of AmeriCorps funding is significant, it has never been our sole source of support. Thanks to longstanding relationships with local funders—and the generosity of individuals stepping up in this moment—we’re filling the gap and keeping the program strong. Community donations will directly support the next cohort of teacher residents, helping ensure we continue to place outstanding teachers in Hamilton County classrooms.
Project Inspire is supported by a coalition of dedicated partners committed to strengthening public education in Hamilton County. Our funders and partners include:
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Public Education Foundation (PEF)
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Hamilton County Schools
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University of Tennessee-Knoxville
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Volunteer Tennessee
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Regions Foundation
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Yes. All existing commitments are being honored. Current residents will continue to receive financial support, tuition coverage, personalized coaching, and wraparound services that help them thrive in the classroom.
We remain committed to recruiting and supporting future teachers. We are working with partners to ensure that future cohorts can experience the same level of preparation, mentorship, and financial support. More updates will follow as those plans are finalized.
This moment is critical. With the loss of federal support, local investment will determine how many aspiring teachers we can prepare. Your donation helps ensure that students in Hamilton County continue to have access to strong, committed educators.
Make a gift. Share our story. Advocate for the importance of programs like Project Inspire.
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Together, we can ensure every child has a great teacher. Share this page and help us build the support our future educators need.