Reinke Named a Finalist  for Charlotte’s 2025 Teaching Excellence Award

Luke Reinke, associate professor of reading and elementary education in the Cato College of Education, is a finalist for the UNC Charlotte Teaching Excellence Award for tenured faculty.

Reinke is an enthusiastic mathematics educator whose work blends research, teaching and service to reimagine how future teachers learn to teach math. Known for his thoughtful, equity-centered approach, Reinke equips aspiring educators with the confidence and tools to make mathematics meaningful, relevant and joyful for their students.

“During my day-to-day teaching, the question that drives my work shifts from how to teach mathematics well to how to teach prospective teachers to teach mathematics well,” said Reinke. “It is an immense blessing that every day I have the privilege of supporting students.” 

Reinke’s journey into education began not in a classroom, but through community service. After earning a degree in biomedical engineering, he realized his passion was teaching — first through AmeriCorps, then in charter schools and eventually in higher education. 

“Dr. Reinke is excited about what he teaches, which highly motivates and encourages incoming teachers,” said Jessica Keener-Dragoo, a graduate student of Reinke’s. “I felt confident and excited to become a teacher after taking his course.” 

Reinke is widely respected for his innovative “rough draft” approach to feedback and instruction, a strategy that encourages vulnerability, reflection and growth. He has improved math courses in several programs, worked on statewide efforts to update teacher licensure exams and helped local K-12 schools by co-teaching, reviewing curriculum and coaching teachers. He makes math education more fair and meaningful, and creates lessons that connect math to real-world topics like tobacco use and public health.

“Luke has been a strong advocate for mathematics education and is dedicated to providing all students with rewarding educational experiences,” said S. Michael Putman, professor and previous chair of reading and elementary education.

Whether co-planning lessons with undergraduates, supporting in-service teachers or leading college-wide initiatives, Reinke remains grounded in the belief that good teaching is collaborative, humanizing and always evolving.

“Dr. Reinke made clear and consistent efforts to make sure all of his students knew they mattered,” said Chloe Pate-Lacy, one of Reinke’s students. “There has never been a time when he made someone feel incapable or incompetent for not knowing something; everything in his class was a learning experience, even for himself.”

The other two finalists for the award include William (Bill) Graves, professor of geography and Margaret Quinlan, professor of communication studies. The award will be presented at an awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11.