elementary education

Cato College Again Ranked No. 1 in NC in Online Graduate Education, Special Education

For the third year in a row, Cato College of Education at UNC Charlotte leads the state of North Carolina in online education graduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report, tying for the No. 1 spot with NC State. Ranking No. 18 overall, Charlotte is tied with peers like NC State, UMass-Lowell, Auburn […]

Mebane Early Literacy Center to Screen New PBS Kids Show at Studio, Advised by Distinguished Faculty

A screening of the forthcoming PBS Kids show “Phoebe and Jay” will be co-hosted by the UNC Charlotte Mebane Early Literacy Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday Feb. 14. The screening will take place in the PBS studio room of Charlotte’s PBS station, WTVI. The event will begin with an introduction by Kelly Cartwright, […]

‘A Natural from Day One’: Lindsay Blalock ’25 exemplifies Charlotte’s excellence in literacy education

“Remember your why” is a phrase teachers hear constantly. It’s supposed to be an encouragement, reminding educators to center the reason they’re in the profession, because no matter how hard it may get, that “why” is supposed to always get you through. For elementary education senior Lindsay Blalock, her “why” is baked into her DNA. […]

Empowering Future Leaders: Cato College’s Summer Programs in STEM, Literacy, Writing and Research

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 […]

Alumni Spotlight: Kerra Johnson ’04 provides job opportunities, hands-on experience for next generation of EduNiners

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 […]

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 […]

‘Create Something Special’: DeJané Cade ‘26, CTEC ‘25

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 […]

Educating the next generation: Kendall Wilson looks to return home to give back to her community

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 […]

Cartwright tapped to advise on new PBS show aimed at literacy education

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 […]

Binns named to inaugural class of Sound Science Fellows

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 […]