Public Education Forward

✈️ Meet our 16 2026 Fund for Teachers Fellows!
This year marks our 15th consecutive year partnering with — and we couldn't be prouder of the educators standing in front of this map. Each fellow designed their own summer learning experience, choosing where in the world their curiosity (and their students' questions) would take them.
They'll return in the fall with new perspectives, new ideas, and stories that will shape classrooms across our district for years to come.
Congratulations, Fellows. Safe travels. 🌍

Celebrating innovation and excellence! Last week, our amazing STEM fellows showcased their incredible projects during the poster presentation and celebration event. We are so proud of the dedication these educators bring to our communities💙🤍 SWIPE THROUGH TO ENJOY OUR PHOTOS!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate FIVE of our amazing Red Bank Elementary educators for completing the STEM Fellows program with Public Education Forward!

Through this experience, these teachers deepened their STEM knowledge, connected with community partners & fellow educators across the region, and completed a project that benefited our school community.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding teacher leaders!

Forward is more than a word for us, it’s how we work!

See what forward looks like at PEFCHATTANOOGA.ORG 💙

Come along with us! But first, let’s remember something vital: Public Education still comes first in our name. Why? —> Because it’s at the core of everything we do! Public schools are where opportunity begins. They serve every student, support families, and shape the future of our community every day.

For over 35 years, we’ve stood alongside our public schools and the dedicated professionals who help shape them. That commitment is not going ANYWHERE!

Sincerely,
Your friends at PEF 💙🤍

We’re hiring a Director of Impact.

This role helps us understand what’s working and where we go next. Working across programs and alongside leadership, the Director of Impact turns data into clear direction that strengthens how we support students, teachers, and our community.

It’s thoughtful, collaborative work that shapes real outcomes. The kind that moves public education forward!

If you’re driven by purpose and know how to translate insight into action, we want to hear from you. Application details on our website- https://www.pefchattanooga.org/careers/director-of-impact

It starts with a teacher.
These Hamilton County educators are taking their learning beyond the classroom, bringing back new perspectives and meaningful experiences that will shape their students’ futures.
We’re honored to celebrate this year’s Fund for Teachers Fellows.🎉

Wrapping up the week with part THREE of our VW eLab Showcase gallery! It's been so fun to look back on this event, and we can't wait to see what the years to come will hold! Thank you to Volkswagen Chattanooga for hosting the showcase, encouraging our students, and being an incredible partner to PEF and Chattanooga!

Make sure you check out parts one and two of our photo gallery!☺️

Great things are happening in Chattanooga! Last week was the annual VW eLab Showcase hosted at Volkswagen Chattanooga- here's part two of our gallery for you to enjoy!

Let's take a look back at the 2026 VW eLab Showcase!

We are incredibly thankful for the partnership that continues to make VW eLabs possible for our students. Seeing students confidently share their work, alongside family and friends gathering in support, made it a truly special day.

Thank you to our PEF Innovative Learning team, Michael Stone, Dara Lacy, and Cliff Brittingham, along with Matty Hardy and the HCS Office of Future Ready Students, for bringing the event to life. We also deeply appreciate the Volkswagen team, including Ian Leavy, Mario Duarte, Ben Williams, Sam Dean, Anna Loy, and Lauren Petticord, whose commitment and enthusiasm continue to strengthen this work. Partnerships like this are what move our community forward!

Friends, enjoy part one of our 2026 VW eLab Showcase gallery! 😄