Draft:Community Alliance Group of Memphis

Community Alliance Group of Memphis
The Community Alliance Group (CAG) is a non-profit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, that focuses on education and teacher preparation for urban school environments.[1][2] CAG emerged from New Memphis, an organization involved in educator development and retention.[7]

History and Context
CAG was established in 2023 by LaTasha Thornton, an educator with experience in Memphis's urban school system.[1] The organization was formed in response to challenges faced by urban schools in Memphis.[3] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Memphis schools have experienced issues such as lower graduation rates, achievement gaps, and resource disparities compared to national averages.[3]

Mission and Programs
CAG's stated mission is to develop and support a network of educators to address issues in urban education.[1] The organization reports operating a teacher education program that includes:


 * Praxis Exam Preparation
 * Practicum experiences in urban schools
 * Job Placement Assistance
 * Mentoring for program participants[1]

According to CAG's website, the teacher education program covers topics including:


 * Equity and equality in education
 * Foundational literacy instruction
 * Instructional practices and strategies
 * Data-driven instruction
 * Classroom management
 * Special education and ESL accommodation
 * Social-emotional learning
 * Lesson planning
 * Teacher effectiveness measures
 * Educational technology[1]

Community Engagement and Partnerships
CAG reports engaging in community-focused activities, including:

Partnerships with community members and leaders Facilitating discussions on student academic needs Providing resources for parental support of education[1]

The organization has partnered with other local non-profits. These include collaborations with The Metamorphosis Project on initiatives addressing homelessness in Memphis,[4] and with MDL Inc. on mentorship programs aimed at increasing high school graduation and college acceptance rates among Memphis's youth of color.[5] CAG has shown support for community events such as sports camps led by former Olympic athletes, which aim to provide opportunities for local youth.[8]

Teacher Support
CAG's work aligns with broader efforts in Memphis to address teacher shortages and improve retention rates. In 2024, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) approved a $28.4 million investment in teacher salaries, raising the starting annual teacher salary to $50,000.[9][10] This focus on teacher support comes as national data from the National Education Association indicates that in 2022, there were 567,000 fewer educators in public schools than before the pandemic.[11]

Organization and Structure
CAG operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.[2] As of 2024, founder LaTasha Thornton serves as the organization's leader and sole member according to public records.[2]

Recognition and Reported Impact
CAG is recognized by Shelby County, Tennessee as a participating non-profit organization.[6] The organization states that it has trained educators who are now working in Memphis urban schools.[1]

Challenges and Future Plans
As a new non-profit in the education sector, CAG faces challenges such as securing sustainable funding and scaling programs. According to its website, the organization plans to expand its teacher preparation program through partnerships with local universities and school districts, and to develop a research component focused on urban education strategies.[1] CAG's work occurs alongside other educational initiatives in Memphis. For instance, Crosstown High, a public charter school founded in 2018, has implemented project-based learning and efforts to create a diverse student body.[12] While CAG and Crosstown High are separate entities, they both represent part of ongoing efforts to address educational challenges in Memphis.