Home AboutThe Martin Institute

The Martin Institute

Read about The Martin Institute in the Media
thumb_dailynews

The Martin Institute for Teaching Excellence provides world-class professional development for public and private school teachers. Participants are teachers and administrators who are eager to develop classrooms centered on critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and brain-based research. The Institute provides on-site seminars, workshops and conferences; a teacher residency program; and funding for off-site professional development, especially at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

The Institute draws on the research and ideas of leading educational thinkers and child development experts, and it blends theory with practical application, including the opportunity for teachers to observe, network and/or develop their craft. The institute is housed on the campus of Presbyterian Day School (PDS). Through the philanthropy of the Brad Martin family and other donors, the Institute is able to partially or fully fund the cost of institute programs for educators whose schools lack the resources to receive world-class professional development.

An Innovative Public-Private Partnership

The Martin Institute is an innovative venture that unites public and private schools, Presbyterian Day School, the University of Memphis, and philanthropists around the most critical issue facing schools today: developing outstanding teachers through world-class professional development. Dr. Clif Mims serves as the institute's Executive Director. An Advisory Board provides strategic oversight and direction. The Board consists of educational leaders from public and private schools, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, philanthropists, and educational leaders from Presbyterian Day School and the University of Memphis.

Close Ties with the University of Memphis

Especially important to the Institute will be its relationship with its neighbor, The University of Memphis, particularly the College of Education. Education students at the University of Memphis will be invited to participate in Institute programs, as well as meet with PDS teachers and administrators and observe PDS classes during special days designed specifically for University of Memphis students. Professors at the University of Memphis will be invited to help lead or facilitate various Institute programs.

Web-Based Learning

The Martin Institute for Teaching Excellence will utilize the latest in technology to expand the Institute’s offerings and extend its reach to make its curriculum and programs accessible to educators worldwide. Real-time webinars, video conferencing events, podcasts and other internet learning opportunities will be distributed and scheduled throughout the year. These videos, as well as other resources that Institute leaders develop, will be available, for free or a fee, to other teachers and schools.