Relay to Launch its Sixth Site in Memphis

The Relay Memphis site will be led by Founding Dean Michelle Armstrong, a lifelong member of the Memphis community and former teacher and principal in the city’s public schools. Dean Armstrong joins Relay from Insight Education Group, where she helped to lead Shelby County Schools’ teacher effectiveness training for school leaders and instructional coaches. Under her leadership, Relay will continue to work in close partnership with educators, officials, and community groups—including leaders from the Achievement School District and Shelby County Schools—to effectively design and implement high-quality programming that meets the unique needs of the Memphis community. On January 29, 2015, Relay received authorization from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to operate in Memphis.

“Great teachers are critical to our students’ success, so we’re excited to see Relay launch in Memphis,” said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dorsey Hopson. “We welcome any effort to bring even more committed and talented teachers into our schools, especially those that are still struggling to keep students on track for success in college or a career.”

“Thanks to Relay’s efforts, even more of our students will have the opportunity to learn from great teachers,” said Achievement School District Superintendent Chris Barbic. “Memphis is truly becoming Teacher Town—the best place for teachers to work, live, and make a difference.”

Memphis will be the sixth campus for Relay, a national, accredited graduate school of education. Relay currently serves over 1,400 teachers and principals in Chicago, Houston, Newark, New Orleans, and New York. Check www.relay.edu in the coming weeks for further details about the Relay program in Memphis.