Knoxville man pledges $1 million for teacher education

University President Joe Johnson planned to announce David T. Bailey’s contribution on Wednesday in a speech at the Tennessee Business Roundtable in Nashville.

Bailey’s donation goes to the “Top Teachers in Tennessee” scholarship fund that provides financial assistance to students in the teacher internship program at UT.

“The key focus of the Bailey challenge is to connect investment in higher education with significant returns for both donors and the state of Tennessee,” Johnson said.

“The combined efforts of teacher education programs statewide play a critical role in ensuring that all students receive a quality education and that they are fully prepared for higher learning and for success in the world of work.”

Bailey has challenged others to also invest in the fund.

“As a financier, I’m always interested in compound returns on my investments,” he said. “I recognize the multiplier effect of hundreds and hundreds of students whose lives are touched in significant ways by an effective, inspiring teacher.”

The teacher preparation program at UT requires students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree to complete an unpaid internship at a school for one year.

There are 41 teacher preparation programs available at institutions across Tennessee.

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On the Net:

Top Teachers for Tennessee: http://cehhs.utk.edu/alumni/topteachers.html