Kids need heroes at home, at school, and in their communities, says Cathy Tisdale ’75. She believes philanthropy can help. With the establishment of the Cathy Tisdale Class of 1975 Teacher Education Endowed Scholarship, she hopes to encourage future educators to join the profession.
“I’m a believer in a quality public education not as privilege, but as a right,” she says. “If young people start out receiving an equitable education that continues throughout their K-12 experience, they’re going to be much more likely to be ready for whatever they want to do post-secondary.”
That’s good for everyone, from young teachers to the communities they impact, she says.
Tisdale began her career teaching history and social studies, then took leadership roles in organizations like the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Camp Fire, a youth development organization.
I meet young people graduating from the School of Education now, and they’re determined to change the world. —CATHY TISDALE ’75
“From the time of my graduation, I always had a heart for the University,” she says. So, once she retired from her executive career, Tisdale wanted to contribute to the UNCG. She currently serves on the UNCG Foundation Board and the UNCG School of Education Advancement Council.
Historically, education is a profession that has delivered social mobility to many families. But today, Tisdale says, concerns about future earnings and debt may dissuade young people from pursuing it. “If you have some interest in being an educator, particularly a public-school educator, you’re going to likely going to incur debt to do it,” she says.
That means community members and philanthropists can step in to give a hand up. “Creative and forward-looking philanthropy can help identify the opportunities that are only the ‘blue sky’ for families,” she says. “For example, ‘Boy, if only we had the money, here’s what we’d do next.’”
Tisdale’s goal is to ensure young people can become committed and well-prepared public-school educators. Today’s UNCG students are ready to make an impact, she says. “I meet young people who are graduating from the School of Education now, and they’re determined to change the world.”
By Mercer Bufter ’11 MA
Photography by Sean Norona ’13