Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning

09/09/2026

Congratulations to CELL’s Director of Literacy, Megan Thompson, on earning her doctorate!

Megan leads CELL’s literacy work, equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed for high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction.

Recognized for her expertise in educational leadership and effective instructional practices, Megan continues to demonstrate a commitment to empowering teachers and driving student success across Indiana.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Thompson on this accomplishment!

09/08/2026

Happy International Literacy Day!

Literacy fuels learning in every classroom, every subject, and every grade. Today, we recognize incredible teachers across Indiana who use evidence-based practices to build confident readers and thinkers every single day.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from all of us at CELL! Today we're taking a moment to recognize the educators and staff who work every single day to transform students’ lives through the power of learning.

Thank you for everything you do!

09/04/2026

Applications are due Tuesday, September 8, for the Lilly Endowment’s Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program.

Approximately 125 grants of up to $15,000 are available for full-time K-12 education professionals in Indiana for activities that are intellectually enriching and personally renewing.

Learn more: https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/renewal-programs/teacher-creativity/

09/04/2026

Don't miss our virtual lunch and learn on Chronic Absenteeism causes and solutions next Tuesday, September 8 at noon Eastern! Register now: https://cell.uindy.edu/events/2026/09/chronic-absenteeism-understanding-root-causes-building-real-solutions

09/03/2026

Last week, the University of Indianapolis and Perry Township Schools broke ground on the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, launching Indiana’s first career-connected learning program housed on a university campus.

As part of the program, students will experience careers firsthand through project-based learning, mentorship opportunities, and direct engagement with professionals.

We’re thrilled about this partnership to help more students experience real-world learning.

Learn more: https://news.uindy.edu/2026/07/28/uindy-partners-with-perry-township-schools-to-build-30m-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-program-indianas-first-on-a-university-campus/

Today, we welcomed state, local, education, and community leaders to campus to celebrate a bold new chapter in career-connected learning.

This fall, the University of Indianapolis and Perry Township Schools will launch Indiana's first career-connected high school program housed on a university campus—giving high school students the opportunity to learn through real-world projects, mentorship from industry professionals, and hands-on experiences that connect the classroom to future careers.

Read more about this impactful partnership, made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc.: https://bit.ly/4fZwYxF

09/02/2026

New grant opportunity: Requests for Proposals are currently being accepted for the Opportunity to Learn Project supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Public school corporations, charter schools, and charter networks located or operating in Indiana but outside of Marion County are invited to propose new, enhanced, or expanded programs and projects that address non-academic barriers that students may experience.

Planning grants of $50K to $100K are available, followed by competitive grants of $600K to $17.6M.

Schools and networks receiving planning grants will be invited to participate in a support workshop convened by CELL, which will provide guidance, resources, and opportunities for peer learning to help grantees develop strong, evidence-informed plans for implementation.

Planning grant requests are due by 5 PM ET on Tuesday, September 15.

More info: https://indianalifelonglearningprojects.org/opportunity-to-learn-project-rfp/

09/01/2026

Ready to become a licensed special education teacher, without the tuition bill?

CELL’s Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL) initiative supports Indiana teachers through streamlined, funded coursework in partnership with educator prep programs. Teachers can complete coursework to add an Exceptional Needs – Mild Intervention license, at no cost to them or their school.

I-SEAL can also provide:
• Support for non-education bachelor's degree holders entering a Transition to Teaching program
• Support for additional special education licensures, including blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, and intense intervention
• Free Praxis test prep workshops for those who have completed a program but haven't successfully passed licensing exams

Special education teachers are in high demand across Indiana, and this program is designed to make the path to licensure realistic for working educators.

Learn more and complete an interest form today: IndianaSEAL.org

08/28/2026

At yesterday's football game, University of Indianapolis president Dr. Tanuja Singh recognized CELL for 25 years of transforming lives through learning.

CELL Executive Director Dr. Carey Dahncke took to the field to receive a certificate of recognition on behalf of our team.

We’re grateful to be part of the UIndy community!

08/28/2026

In a new report from the College in High School Alliance, Indiana received a Best Practice Spotlight for the Indiana College Core, Core Transfer Library, dual credit-embedded Next Level Programs of Study, and cost caps for priority dual credit coursework.

We’re grateful to the Indiana Department of Education and Indiana Commission for Higher Education for making dual credit courses accessible and transferable for Hoosier students!

Read the report:

State policy recommendations to help ensure dual enrollment students can transfer and apply the credits they earn during high school, thereby maximizing the benefits of participating in college courses in high school.