Patton College PDS Model Builds Bridges for Greater Teaching, Learning

By Melvin Bogard

A new set of brief videos in AACTE’s Research-to-Practice Spotlight Series focuses on operationalizing clinical practice through the award-winning partnerships of Ohio University’s Patton College of Education (see this article introducing the series). Today’s article highlights messages from the first three videos, which feature leaders from the college as well as students, teachers, and administrators from several of its partner schools.

The Patton College of Education at Ohio University is building bridges for greater teaching and learning in a model that is a boon to PK-12 students, faculty, and teacher candidates. Its professional development school (PDS) partnerships employ a clinical model of education to provide hands-on experience for future educators while supporting their mentors and demonstrating educational benefit for the students as well.

Last Call for AACTE Volunteer Leaders

By Kristin McCabe

Time is running out to apply for service on one of AACTE’s standing committees or run for a seat on the Board of Directors! Submit your application (or nominate a colleague) for a 3-year term by Monday, May 9.

Board of Directors

As noted by current Board Chair Jane Bray (Old Dominion University, VA), now is an exciting time to lead AACTE. “Our profession is truly at a tipping point, and the Board of Directors at AACTE is at the forefront of our profession,” she said. The Board’s agenda includes deliberations on the Association’s overall direction, its role in the changing accreditation system, strategic leveraging of resources, and much more. The current roster can be found here.

Book Your Hotel by May 16 for AACTE’s Washington Week

By Jerrica Thurman

AACTE’s Washington Week this June will be based at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, located minutes away from downtown Washington, DC. Take advantage of AACTE’s special hotel rate and get complimentary high-speed Internet in guest rooms and meeting spaces when you make your hotel reservation within the AACTE room block by May 16.

The hotel offers guests complimentary shuttle service to and from the Reagan National Airport, just one mile away. Enjoy the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel amenities, including three on-site dining options and convenient lobby access to the Metro.

The hotel will host most of the events of AACTE’s Washington Week June 5-8, ranging from advocacy opportunities to policy briefings, networking receptions, and more under the theme “Diverse Perspectives, Deep Partnerships, One Profession.”

Comments Submitted? Here’s What’s Next

By Deborah Koolbeck

Today, AACTE submitted its comment on the U.S. Department of Education’s supplemental notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) for distance education programs in teacher preparation. If you have not yet done so, you have a few more hours–until 11:59 p.m. EDT, May 2–to share your perspectives on this proposal. See our resources here for guidance.

What’s Next?

After the deadline, AACTE will do some analysis to see what kind of responses were submitted and by whom.

Jahana Hayes Named 2016 National Teacher of the Year

By Michelle Kotek

AACTE congratulates 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes, who teaches history at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Connecticut.

The Council of Chief State School Officers announced Hayes’ selection last week following a rigorous selection process. She will be honored Tuesday, along with the other three finalists and all of the state teachers of the year, by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House.

Hayes, who has been in the classroom for more than 12 years, earned her bachelor’s degree in history and social science from Southern Connecticut State University and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Saint Joseph (CT).

‘Forward-Looking Focus’ Inspires New Leaders at AACTE Academy

By Kristin McCabe

For new or prospective deans and department chairs, there’s no better place to get up to speed than AACTE’s Leadership Academy, June 26-30 in Portland, Oregon.

Have you ever puzzled over the relationship between a dean and a department chair? Struggled to organize an effective meeting or to get your message across to higher administration? Wondered how to approach persistent dilemmas or deal with difficult people? These are just some of the topics that past attendees say provided valuable lessons during the Leadership Academy.

“It was very beneficial to listen to others’ experiences and solutions to our similar challenges,” one participant wrote. “These ideas will help me be more efficient and celebrate faculty more.”

State Policy Recap – 2016 to Date

By Aaron Goldstein

Ed Prep Matters is pleased to bring you this special feature on state policy and AACTE state chapter activity. For a summary of March’s state activity, see this article; February’s state activity is available here.

Overview of State Policy Activity

Thanks to AACTE’s State Policy Tracker, we can identify trends in state legislation and regulations related to educator preparation.

So far this year, approximately 300 state bills related to educator preparation have been introduced. Of these, 186 were related to certification and standards, and 18 have been enacted. Many of these laws are related to lowering certification standards for alternative-route programs, differentiated licensure standards for certain subjects including STEM fields and career and technical education (CTE), and allowing more pathways into teaching to alleviate shortages. Seven bills related to teacher certification and shortages have been signed into law in 2016 with themes such as expanding scholarships for teacher candidates and offering loan forgiveness for teachers. Five state bills have been signed into law related to teacher licensure standards.

AACTE Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

By Kristin McCabe

AACTE joins the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in celebrating terrific teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6, and National Teacher Day, May 3.

Tune in to the White House tomorrow as President Obama recognizes this year’s national and state teachers of the year, and don’t forget to reach out to congratulate any honorees who are alumni of your programs!

How can you get involved in the teacher celebration? In addition to holding events for your alumni or simply thanking teachers in person, here are some easy ways to engage on social media: