Emily Ragland is one outstanding teacher at KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary and now the nation knows it. She, along with nine other educators from across KIPP's 210+ schools, were recognized during the network's annual School Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada and presented with the 2017 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award. Now in her sixth year of teaching, she also serves as Kindergarten grade level chair and content leader for math and reading; teaches a lunchtime Gifted and Talented class, and sponsors a student running club. On top of her teaching duties, Ragland was one of eleven Memphis educators selected as a 2016-17 Tennessee SCORE Fellow.

“We are thrilled that Emily was selected to receive this award,” said Julie Poluszejko, school leader of KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary. “She truly models what it looks like to establish a positive classroom culture and achieve academic results.”

Congratulations, Emily, and thank you for the hard work and dedication you show your students every day!

Tennessee Senator Lee Harris is enjoying his time away from the State Capitol by visiting some of Memphis' exemplar charter schools. He recently stopped by Vision Prep, a kindergarten through fifth grade public charter school focused on rigorous academics and a preparing students for college at an early age. TCSC has made it our mission to bring important charter issues to the forefront in conversations with key elected officials, but key to continued awareness and understanding is sharing first-hand experiences with legislators inside charters. We appreciate elected officials such as Senator Harris for taking the time to visit and will continue to host similar tours throughout the Fall as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.