opportunity for every child

Address

4421 Stuart Andrew Blvd.

Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28217

Contact

(980) 343-0399

info@cms-foundation.org

Donate Now

A few words

About Us

The CMS Foundation is the official nonprofit partner for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In our unique position as the trusted bridge between CMS and the philanthropic community, we leverage and steward private dollars to help the district achieve its highest strategic goals. We work to ensure that private investments have a meaningful, sustainable impact on public education in our community.

The knowledge and skills required to succeed in our global society continue to evolve, and so do the needs of our education system. Public funding alone is not sufficient to provide our students and teachers the opportunities they need and deserve. It takes the support of our entire community.

the yearbook:

Reflections on School During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Yearbook is a special collaborative project highlighting stories on the school experience during the pandemic. Using photography and first-person accounts to capture memories and perspectives, The Yearbook offers an intimate look into the journey of CMS students, educators, families and community partners navigating a school year like no other.

explore the yearbook

fundraising priorities

our work

We work closely with CMS educators to understand district priorities and identify opportunities to maximize student achievement through the investment of private resources. With the help of our generous philanthropic community, we seed initiatives and help expand programs that support our students and educators.

Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline

Addressing the critical need for teachers, the CMS Teaching Residency program provides an alternative pathway for passionate, skilled individuals to become licensed classroom teachers.

Elevating Teacher Voices

Through our Teacher Talks lecture series and other storytelling initiatives, we help ensure CMS educators have opportunities to be seen, heard, innovate, collaborate and share best practices.

Teacher Innovation Grants

Through grants awarded to CMS teachers, the Teacher Innovation Fund supports the implementation of school-based, innovative strategies to prepare students for college and career success.

COVID-19 Relief Fund

Our COVID-19 Relief Fund is helping students stay connected to their classrooms with technology and closing the connectivity gap as CMS students and teachers work diligently to continue learning during the COVID-19 crisis.

voices & stories

Stay updated and explore the stories, ideas, and experiences of people throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools community.

The Yearbook

Explore stories of CMS students, staff, parents, and community partners navigating school during the COVID-19 pandemic in this special project.

explore

teacher talks

When teachers talk, we listen. Watch CMS teachers deliver a variety of education (and life) focused lessons in this curated lecture series.

watch

made in cms

Hear first-person stories from alumni as they reflect on their favorite teachers and school experiences as students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

listen

news & events

Visit our digital newsroom to stay up-to-date on the latest events, fundraising priorities, program updates, community engagement opportunities, and more.

our community

stay connected

Follow along on social media and get connected to our community of teachers, students, parents, and other schoolanthropists like you who are making an impact in education.

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May 12

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We end this #TAW2023 with a talk to uplift us all:

Olivette Myers is a middle school counselor who once found herself at a very low point in her career. What started as an inspiring profession devolved into days of sobbing in the school parking lot. She was prepared to leave. But through deep reflection, she realized where and how she’d lost her joy and designed a plan to get it back. Olivette is a counselor at Ranson Middle School.

“During my career y'all, I realized that I needed to inspire myself. I needed simple positive inspiration repeatedly every day. And I've learned that joy is contagious. It not only helps me to function, but it inspires other people to grow and be happy. So, I ask you, what must you do to keep your joy? And if you've lost it, what are you going to do to get it back?”

Watch her full talk (link in bio ⏫)

As the district’s nonprofit partner, we find our joy in helping expand opportunities for @CharMeckSchools students and educators. It is our honor to support the thousands of teachers who work tirelessly for our community’s most precious treasure. To all of the teachers in CMS, Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, and thank you.

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May 11

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It's #TAW2023 Day 4! Check out today's Teacher Talk:

When @charmeckschools teacher Hayley Rowley’s principal announced “student engagement” as the year’s focus, she assumed she’d already checked the box. But a deeper look revealed she had much to learn. She began a quest to become an “instructional bartender” and serve up rounds of transformational learning experiences in her classroom. Hayley is a science teacher at Renaissance West STEAM Academy.

“As teachers, we are certified teaching practice mixologists. We spend countless hours crafting and refining the finest barrel-aged instruction because we know it matters how engaging our students find us. But we can't engage them if we don't know whether they like their math problems shaken or stirred. We can't know them if we don't ask them. We can't ask them if we aren't willing to listen to them. And if we don't listen to them, we'll never engage them.”

Watch full vid (link in bio ⏫) #taw2023

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May 10

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It's Day 3 of Teacher Appreciation Week! For today's Teacher Talk highlight:

As a @charmeckschools Exceptional Children teacher, Taylor Gloyd understands the importance of meeting students where they are. She believes that every teacher can think beyond the classroom to find the "red wagon" their students need to succeed. Taylor is a teacher at Highland Creek Elementary in Charlotte, NC.

“If we continue to show up for one another, to be there for our students, differentiate their needs no matter how outside of the classroom norm they may be, we are going to help every student find their red wagon.”

Watch full vid (link in bio ⏫) #taw2023

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May 9

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For today’s Teacher Appreciation Week feature: In the midst of the pandemic, @charmeckschools teacher Alicia Moss trained and accomplished her goal of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. After making it to the top, she struggled to descend without the support of her team. As darkness approached, she slid down gravel and fell repeatedly while trying to navigate the mountain. The isolation and stress reminded her of her teaching experience. In this talk she discusses the importance of knowing who’s on your team. Alicia is a Career & Technical Education teacher at J.M. Alexander Middle School in Huntersville, NC.

“Know who your people are because what you have may not be enough. When you know who your people are, they are going to help you move, climb and maneuver some of the biggest mountains in your teaching career.”

Watch full vid (link in bio ⏫) #TAW2023

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May 8

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ICYMI, it’s *officially* Teacher Appreciation Week! We’re grateful for the work @charmeckschools teachers do every single day to help our student thrive 🥰

To celebrate educator voices, we’ll be featuring a Teacher Talk each day this week to inspire and encourage you. Learn, share, & thank a teacher today!

First up: As a 30-year veteran, Elizabeth Clarke has seen A LOT in her teaching career. Despite the challenges, she’s chosen to stay. While many attribute it to teacher “superpowers,” she’s found staying power is much more important.

“I’ve learned children don’t need teachers with superpowers. They need those that know when to dismiss the habits and mindsets that get in the way of growth. Those that stubbornly cling to the beauty inherent in the pursuit of progress. And those that are arrogant enough to demand the leadership and respect that we deserve.”

Watch full vid (link in bio ⏫) #TAW2023

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Mar 13

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After ending last week w/ an incredible Teacher Talks experience, we’re starting this week INSPIRED. Our @CharMeckSchools speakers were amazing and we are SO proud of each of them ☺️

Thank you to all who joined us! Special thanks to our sponsors, especially @equitable.financial for making it possible!

We'll see you all next year for Teacher Talks 2024!

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Feb 21

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It’s our favorite time of the year 🥰 Join us on 3/9 for Teacher Talks 2023: SPARK! Five new @CharMeckSchools voices will take the stage to share powerful messages with our community. Come ready to be inspired! Tickets available @ teachertalks.eventbrite.com (link in bio ⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️ )

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Dec 2

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A BIG thank you to everyone who supported us as part of #GivingTuesdayCLT. With nearly $20K in donations this week, we’re well on our way to our $50K Mobilize for Impact campaign goal 😄 We appreciate our community for investing in @CharMeckSchools students and educators!

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Nov 29

Open

This #GivingTuesdayCLT help create new opportunities for @CharMeckSchools students and educators by supporting the CMS Foundation! Every donation makes a difference ☺️ Text GIVECMSF to 44-321 or visit bit.ly/cmsf_mobilize to make an impact today!

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opportunity for every child

Address

Contact

Donate Now

A few words

About Us

read more

the yearbook:

fundraising priorities

our work

Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline

Elevating Teacher Voices

Teacher Innovation Grants

COVID-19 Relief Fund

in your words

voices & stories

The Yearbook

teacher talks

made in cms

news & events

our community

stay connected

donate

donate now

opportunity for every child

Address

Contact

Donate Now

A few words

About Us​

read more

the yearbook:

fundraising priorities

our work

Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline

Elevating Teacher Voices

Teacher Innovation Grants

COVID-19 Relief Fund

in your words

voices & stories

The Yearbook

teacher talks

made in cms

news & events

our community

stay connected

donate now

About Us