The Martin Institute for Teaching Excellence provides world-class professional development for public and private school teachers. Participants are teachers and administrators who are eager to develop classrooms centered on critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and brain-based research. The Institute provides on-site seminars, workshops and conferences; a teacher residency program; and funding for off-site professional development, especially at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
The Institute draws on the research and ideas of leading educational thinkers and child development experts, and it blends theory with practical application, including the opportunity for teachers to observe, network and/or develop their craft. The institute is housed on the campus of Presbyterian Day School (PDS). Through the philanthropy of the Brad Martin family and other donors, the Institute is able to partially or fully fund the cost of institute programs for educators whose schools lack the resources to receive world-class professional development.
An Innovative Public-Private Partnership
The Martin Institute is an innovative venture that unites public and private schools, Presbyterian Day School, the University of Memphis, and philanthropists around the most critical issue facing schools today: developing outstanding teachers through world-class professional development. Dr. Clif Mims serves as the institute's Executive Director. An Advisory Board provides strategic oversight and direction. The Board consists of educational leaders from public and private schools, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, philanthropists, and educational leaders from Presbyterian Day School and the University of Memphis.
