2 minute read
Message from the president
A message from the president
We believe that the long-term success of our economy rests on the success of Michigan’s youth and the teachers that are helping them achieve their greatest potential.
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Yet Michigan continues to face signifi cant challenges in order to deliver equitable success for all of its youth. Why? According to the Institute for Student Achievement, urban schools often serve students living in poverty, students of color, English language learners, and special education students. These schools often don’t have the necessary resources to support both the success of their teachers and students.
As a result, teacher turnover rates within urban schools far exceed their peers. An issue that is escalating an already alarming talent shortage for Michigan teachers. Further, students within urban schools often have lower performance scores than their suburban counterparts.
That is why nearly a decade ago, Davenport launched Michigan’s fi rst College of Urban Education with master’s degrees and certifi cates designed to equip teachers with the unique skills necessary to support the needs of students within urban schools.
Our Urban Education program has yielded incredible results – not only do well-supported and trained Davenport teachers retain longer – their students’ academic performance accelerates. In fact, students of teachers who have participated in our programs have seen a 35% increase in overall education attainment and engagement.
Now, to launch the careers of more successful teachers and to expand the reach and impact of the College of Urban Education, Davenport is introducing two new undergraduate programs for individuals interested in teaching within elementary or secondary schools.
In this issue, you’ll have a chance to learn more about the progress of the College of Urban Education and its dean, and you’ll hear from one of its alum. I hope you are as inspired as I am in what Davenport has accomplished within the College of Urban Education and what we plan to accomplish in the next few years.
Our ability to launch this program and expand its great works wouldn’t be possible without the continued investment of our community and alumni. I want to thank everyone listed in this Annual Report for continuing to make Davenport students a philanthropic priority.
It’s a pivotal time for Michigan. Education — how we approach ever-changing dynamics at all levels for students and administrators — is vital to our state’s success.
Together we can continue to make a diff erence in students’ lives and in our communities.
