Archive for January, 2023

Register your Institution as an Exhibitor at the Holmes Career Fair

“AACTE meets the challenges of the 21st century through hosting career fairs that endeavors to diversify the post-secondary faculty pipeline. The outcomes of their efforts speak for themselves,” said Amanda Wilkerson, University of Central Florida, Holmes Program Alumna. “Through the Holmes Scholars program and innovative professional development training, I was able to showcase my research skills that ultimately led to acquiring a tenure-track academic role at a Research 1 Institution.”

Perhaps your institution is looking to connect with or recruit diverse faculty like Amanda Wilkerson. You need to look no further than the Holmes Program, which supports students who self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse and are pursuing graduate degrees in education at AACTE member institutions.

Take a Deep Dive at #AACTE23

At this year’s 75th Annual Meeting, AACTE is featuring several Deeper Dive sessions that cover topics most relevant to you, including a closer look and celebration of the JTE Article of the Year, a conversation on how apprenticeships can address the shortages, and many more.  These sessions were curated to reflect the association’s top strategic priorities: to build and sustain high-quality preparation and pipeline of teachers, expand policies that diversify the field, and advance the educator preparation field through innovative research, practices, and advocacy.

To attend AACTE Deeper Dive sessions and more cutting-edge content at the 2023 Annual Meeting, be sure to register for the 3-day conference before February 17.

Attend the #AACTE23 Closing Session: Deepen Learning through Interactive Classroom Discussions

Engaging classroom discussions have been found to deepen learning, create community, and help students along their academic path. It has also been credited with building more democratic learning environments that are broadly inclusive and enhancing student learning. Contrary to this evidence, researchers find there are few high-quality discussions in most classrooms across the educational landscape. What might we do to ensure that students in PK-12 and higher education experience both discussion for learning and learning to discuss?

Join this pertinent closing session at the Annual Meeting with Diana E. Hess, dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, who will describe what she and colleagues are learning from The Discussion Project — a professional development program designed to help instructors build the knowledge and skills needed to teach their students how to engage in rich and inclusive discussions.

Ball State University to Play Major Role in Apprenticeship Supporting Indiana Educator Pipeline

Ball State University will play a major role in a first-of-its-kind program in the nation centered on special education after the recent federal approval of a state registered apprenticeship supporting the educator pipeline. 

Students participating in the program—which is first launching at Noblesville High School and will be available to scale at other Indiana schools—will allow students to graduate a year early having earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education from the University.

CCSSO Announces Finalists for 2023 National Teacher of the Year

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has announced five exemplary educators from across the country as finalists for 2023 National Teacher of the Year, four of whom have been prepared for teacher education by AACTE member institutions. 

AACTE is a proud member of the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee and applauds each finalist for their commitment to the profession and meeting the needs of all students, as well as the AACTE member institutions that have contributed to their success.

IRS Increases Teacher Tax Deduction

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced that it is increasing the educator expense deduction for the first time since 2002, when it was first implemented. 

Previously the maximum amount educators could deduct from their taxes was $250 for school supplies, including books, supplies, and other materials used in the classroom as well as COVID-19 protective items. However, the IRS will allow up to $300 in qualified expenses to be deducted for 2022.  The limit will rise in $50 increments in future years based on inflation adjustments.

APSU Eriksson College of Education to Host Teacher Shortage Conference

Local teacher Malachi Johnson was one of APSU’s first Grow Your Own graduates

The Austin Peay State University Eriksson College of Education is focused on finding new ways to address the need for licensed teachers in local and regional school districts. The college’s efforts, including the Grow Your Own initiative, garnered attention from White House officials in 2022. Next month, the College of Education will share successes and lessons from the past few years during the inaugural Virtual Conference on Teacher Shortage.

“With many school districts struggling to find qualified teachers, we have found the Grow Your Own model to be a new pipeline,” said Lisa Barron, APSU director of teacher education and partnerships. “Through this conference, we hope to present this model to school districts across the state and show them how they can partner with Austin Peay to train more teachers for their schools.”

Engage in AACTE’s Learning Labs at #AACTE23

At this year’s 75th Annual Meeting, AACTE is featuring 10-plus Learning Labs that cover topics most relevant to you, such as alternative preparation, apprenticeships, recruiting and supporting diverse educators, and leadership.  These sessions were curated to reflect the association’s top strategic priorities: to build and sustain high-quality preparation and pipeline of teachers, expand policies that diversify the field, and advance the educator preparation field through innovative research, practices, and advocacy. To attend AACTE Learning Labs and more cutting-edge content at the 2023 Annual Meeting, be sure to register for the 3-day conference.

Member Institutions Invited to Exhibit at Holmes Career Fair in Indy

Is your institution looking to connect with or recruit diverse new faculty? Look no further than the Holmes Program, which supports students who self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse and are pursuing graduate degrees in education at AACTE member institutions. AACTE is inviting your institution to be an exhibitor — at no cost — at the Holmes Career Fair on Friday, February 24 at 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. at the Indianapolis JW Marriott Hotel during AACTE’s 75th Annual Meeting.

Raise Your Voice: Join AACTE’s 75 Days | 75 Ways to Advocate for Educator Preparation

AACTE’s Annual Meeting on Feb. 24-26 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is only one month away. AACTE extends a warm thank you to all of its members lending their voices to the 75 Days | 75 Ways to advocate for educator preparation movement and invites all members to participate so that AACTE can continue to share new advice and inspiration daily for current and future educators.

Celebrate AACTE’s 75 years of leadership in advancing educator preparation by offering a quick tip on how to elevate the teaching profession and student achievement. Last week, AACTE thought leaders provided advice on finding funding and supporting advocacy for the teaching profession.

Experience the Best of Indy at the 75th Annual Meeting

This year, as attendees arrive in Indianapolis to celebrate the kick-off of AACTE’s 75th Anniversary on February 24 – 26, they will find that it’s the perfect city for nature lovers, cultural connoisseurs, and urban adventurers. Take a look at Visit Indy and browse through the city’s offerings —  including the newest events happening while you’re in town — and experience Indy like a local.

Book Your Stay at the Indianapolis Marriott

After a 15-minute cab ride from the airport, you’ll arrive at the Indianapolis Marriott, a stunning hotel conveniently situated in the city’s buzzing downtown area and a short walk to the JW Marriott. Explore over 200 restaurants within a four-block radius, relax in a variety of fresh new spaces to connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy easy access to AACTE events — including pre-conferences and a Saturday reception onsite.

#AACTE23 Opening Session Features an Intergenerational Conversation with Renowned Scholars

Nationally renowned scholars Gloria Ladson-Billings and James D. Anderson will share their remarkable personal journeys and discuss advances in educator preparation during the upcoming Annual Meeting opening session. Join AACTE and gain new insights that exemplify AACTE’s mission to revolutionize education for all learners during this fireside chat format.

This intergenerational conversation and knowledge transfer will include Lin Wu, the 2022 recipient of AACTE’s Outstanding Dissertation Award, and will be moderated by Leslie T. Fenwick, AACTE dean in residence.

Washington Update: Education Priorities, Parents Bill of Rights, and Supreme Court Arguments

This weekly Washington Update is intended to keep members informed on Capitol Hill activities impacting the educator preparation community. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of AACTE.

This week, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is scheduled to deliver a major address at the Department of Education’s Lyndon Baines Johnson building in Washington, D.C.  The speech entitled, “Raise the Bar: Lead the World,” will offer the Secretary the opportunity to lay out the Department’s priorities for 2023 and detail progress made on 2022 initiatives. Afterward, the Secretary will take part in a fireside chat with Executive Director of the National PTA Nathan R. Monell, CAE. The event will be streamed on the Department’s YouTube  page.

In the States: Florida Proposes to Expand Private Voucher Program

The new “In the States” feature by Kaitlyn Brennan is a weekly update to keep members informed on state-level activities impacting the education and educator preparation community.

On Thursday, Republican leaders in the Florida state House unveiled new legislation that would significantly expand eligibility for the state’s programs offering students vouchers to attend private schools. The proposed changes to the voucher program would allow any student to be eligible for state-funded tuition at a private school of their choice regardless of income. It would also pay parents who homeschool children.  The legislation would also expand the voucher’s usages, allowing families to use the funds for private tutoring and specialized testing such as Advanced Placement exams, among other expenses.