In a transformative step for Brenau’s teacher education programs, the university last year named the Carole Ann Daniel College of Education to honor Trustee Carole Ann Carter Daniel, WC ’68, a former teacher in the Gainesville school system. The naming recognizes the lifetime of support she and her family have provided, as well as a gift from the Carroll E. Daniel Family Foundation.
“This donation substantially enhances Brenau’s educational programs, further elevating the College of Education’s already exceptional academic reputation. It will also allow us to expand opportunities for our students,” Brenau President David L. Barnett says.
As Brenau’s second-largest college, it offers a full suite of educator credentials, led by a robust online Doctor of Education program with more than 270 current students.
The funds support the college through facility upgrades, programmatic and faculty support funds, fellowships and scholarships and other investments in Brenau’s education program.
We are proud to build on Carole Ann Daniel’s legacy by preparing teachers who are ready for today’s challenges.
Kelley Brock-Simmons, Ph.D., Dean of the Carole Ann Daniel College of Education
Solving the shortage
The funding helps accelerate programs that were already underway, such as TigerTEACH, partnerships with schools around the state designed to address the shortage of qualified, certified teachers.
“In 2025, state legislators put the impetus on colleges, universities and education agencies across the state to collaborate to improve teacher recruiting and retention,” Barnett says. “TigerTEACH helps increase the number of certified teachers by providing educational opportunities for those already working in local schools.”
TigerTEACH started through a conversation with a local school official, and it continues to expand quickly as school systems across the state reach out to partner with Brenau on a training pipeline for their staff. Currently, 11 school systems have signed on.
“All of us are working on this together. It takes collaboration on so many levels and especially between school systems and universities,” Kelley Brock-Simmons, Ph.D., dean of the Carole Ann Daniel College of Education and director of the Doctor of Education program, says. “Through TigerTEACH, Brenau really wants to help school systems develop and retain the staff they already have.”
Brenau also has student teaching agreements with 107 school systems and private schools spanning across Georgia. Some counties represent multiple agreements.
Tackling literacy head-on
Adding more personnel to the teacher pipeline is just one way the Daniel College is making an impact on education statewide; the college is also focused on literacy, a nationwide problem.
“The Georgia Council on Literacy estimates 62% of third-graders are not reading proficiently,” James C. Eck, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs at Brenau, says. “When students demonstrate grade-appropriate reading abilities, they are far more likely to graduate, successfully pursue higher-paying careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Investing in literacy today will build a more prosperous, competitive Georgia for generations to come.”
Part of Georgia’s plan to address literacy includes mandatory screenings in kindergarten through third grade to identify students with learning issues. In fall 2025, Brenau launched Georgia’s first Bachelor of Science in speech/language associate.
“This major prepares graduates to work directly with students and families to address speech and language delays,” Brock-Simmons says. “It’s another area where schools desperately need help.”
Brock-Simmons is always working on the next “win-win opportunity” for Brenau students and Georgia school systems – and, ultimately, the state’s K-12 students. Brenau is currently expanding its endorsement certificate in dyslexia, and Brock-Simmons is exploring ways to support initiatives like the Paraprofessional to Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, a grant-based program of the Georgia Department of Education that mirrors Brenau’s TigerTEACH model.
“We are proud to build on Carole Ann Daniel’s legacy by preparing teachers who are ready for today’s challenges,” Brock-Simmons says. “At the end of the day, our mission is simple: ensuring that every child in Georgia has the opportunity to become a proficient, lifelong reader.”
TigerTEACH helps increase the number of certified teachers by providing educational opportunities for those already working in local schools.
David L. Barnett, Ph.D.
