elementary education

Cato College’s summer programs give K–12 students hands-on research, tutoring and growth opportunities that bridge academics with future careers. Through STEM immersions, literacy and math camps, and writing workshops, students gain experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence and foster academic achievement. This summer, the university offered three distinct programs—each tailored to specific educational needs—demonstrating Cato […]

Kerra Johnson graduated with honors from UNC Charlotte in 2004 as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, earning her degree in elementary education. A lifelong educator, Johnson taught at both the elementary and middle school levels and has tutored students of all ages for nearly 25 years. Beyond the classroom, she also mentored middle and high […]

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 […]

It takes a special kind of person to turn an interview around on the interviewer, especially when that person is only 19 years old, but by the end of our time together, DeJané Cade was the one doing the interviewing! Watching her move throughout campus, she turned every new person she met into a networking […]

By Bryson Foster ‘23Photos by Amy Hart As Kendall Wilson approaches graduation, she wants to give back to her home community of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, by educating the next generation of students. “I always say don’t forget where you come from. Fuquay-Varina made me the person I am. I want to return and make it […]

Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy Dr. Kelly Cartwright serves as Lead Curriculum Advisor on PBS KIDS’ Phoebe & Jay, a new animated series for children ages 3-5 designed to support early literacy skills for preschoolers. “To work on a PBS KIDS series is a dream come true. It’s full circle, really – I […]

The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) recently announced its inaugural class of Sound Science Fellows, a cohort of scholars and researchers dedicated to “addressing the ongoing challenges faced by teachers as they navigate issues such as scientific misinformation, evolving educational standards, and societal resistance to critical scientific topics.” Among the seven in this groundbreaking […]

AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) awarded the 2025 Best Practice Award in Support of Global and International Perspectives to Cato College’s Department of Reading and Elementary Education, represented by Dr. Erik Byker and Dr. Adriana Medina. This award recognizes exemplary practice in the intercultural, global, cross-cultural, and international arenas and is overseen […]

“Educators don’t like to brag on themselves.” Whether the educators of today among our faculty or those of tomorrow like our students, this statement rings true throughout Cato College of Education. Quietly, they have moved into a role of servant leadership and tireless dedication, exemplifying how great things are happening at Charlotte. As Professor & […]

You would never catch Star Watson unprepared. Teacher briefcase packed for every potential situation, a “we’re gonna work through it” attitude, and a Charlotte green blazer that clearly meant business, she was ready for whatever the day might bring, and ready to share her why.