The UCF College of Education and Human Performance and the Central Florida chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority are partnering to encourage an open dialogue among educators and community stakeholders about improving teacher effectiveness and bettering at-risk students’ academic accomplishments.

Both organizations are hosting the Delta Teacher Efficacy Central Florida Town Hall Forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at UCF’s Morgridge International Reading Center.

The empowering event will feature a panel of distinguished educators and community leaders suggesting strategies and discussing ways to establish essential teaching practices and create educational opportunities for increasing at-risk students’ graduation rates. Panelists will include Michael Blasewitz, Executive Director of Seminole County Public Schools; Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings; Barbara Jenkins, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools; and Beverlye Neal with the Orange County NAACP.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, nonprofit, public-service organization that provides assistance and support through established programs in local communities around the world.

In collaboration with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funding, the sorority has created the Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign, an educational endeavor focusing on enhancing student academic achievements and improving teacher effectiveness.

The joint effort hopes to make a difference with at-risk students living in economically disadvantaged areas.

“The Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign has multiple components, including professional learning for teachers, free book distribution for children and families in poverty and enhancing conversations among diverse stakeholders to collaboratively improve graduation rates of students in urban communities,” said Rosemarye Taylor, interim associate dean for graduate studies. “It is an honor to be a stakeholder in this important effort to serve our most in-need students and to bring attention to collaboratively serving the students and their families.”

Registration is not required. Attendance is on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information, contact Martha S. Lue Stewart at Martha.Lue@ucf.edu.