10 Jan2023
By Amy Ginsberg and David Fuentes
Next month, members will gather for AACTE’s 75th Annual meeting and immerse ourselves in several days of sessions within the theme of “Innovation through Inspiration: Remembering the Past to Revolutionize the Future.” As representatives of an institution of higher education that was founded in 1855 as the Paterson City Normal School in response to the growing demand for professional preparation of teachers-in-service in the emerging free public schools of Paterson, New Jersey, and one that is now a comprehensive university that proudly wears its designation of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is led by a president who is a first-generation college graduate and a member of LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education, we are excited to share an initiative that aligns with AACTE’s Annual Meeting theme.
In fall 2023, William Paterson University will welcome two pre-doctoral fellows into the College of Education, one in teacher education (preferably with a specialization in early childhood education or secondary education), and one in special education. Applications are now being accepted for this unique pre-doctoral fellowship program aimed at supporting career development of faculty from underrepresented backgrounds.
10 Jan2023
By Michael Rose
The Biden-Harris Administration today announced a new proposal to reduce the cost of federal student loan payments, especially for low- and middle-income borrowers.
While AACTE is generally supportive of the proposal, which according to a fact sheet will make college more affordable for perspective educators, additional steps must be taken to address the nationwide shortage of highly qualified, diverse teachers in our classrooms. AACTE looks forward to working with the Administration, Congress and state officials to develop and implement policies that achieve these goals.
10 Jan2023
By Amanda Nelson
(From left:) Molly Fisher, Ph.D., professor of STEM education in the College of Education and principal investigator; and REU student fellows Jacquelyn Armstrong and Alexandra Boardman.
A new study designed at the University of Kentucky College of Education is gauging the types of supports teachers across the nation need in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on schools. It is supported by a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) grant from the National Science Foundation.
“We are seeking K-12 teachers from anywhere in the U.S. who taught during the pandemic, or who were student teaching during the pandemic, to respond to a survey that will collect information on access to resources and the types of demands being faced as our schools return to normal,” said Molly Fisher, Ph.D., principal investigator and professor of STEM education in the College of Education.
Teachers willing to participate in the study can take the survey now. Responses will help researchers share information that will lead to equipping teachers to meet the demands of the current educational system, Fisher said.
09 Jan2023
By Kaitlyn Brennan
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.
In a recent survey of school superintendents across the state of Indiana, 95% of respondents say they are contending with a shortage of qualified candidates to fill vacant teaching positions. School district leadership identified the greatest shortage areas continue to be special education, science, math, English, foreign language, and elementary education. The survey was sent to all 291 traditional public school superintendents in Indiana, which resulted in 176 responses, or a 60.5% response rate.
09 Jan2023
By Michael Rose
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, Congress passed several pieces of legislation to support the safe re-opening of schools and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives and learning of students. Funds included in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds played a critical role in helping achieve these and related goals.
04 Jan2023
Register by January 6 to lock in the lowest rate.
By AACTE
Educator preparation advocates are invited to join peers and be among the nation’s thought leaders at the 2023 AACTE Annual Meeting in Indianapolis on February 24–26. Join us in exploring the latest research and practices to ensure a bright future for all learners.
Now is the time to reserve your spot at #AACTE23! Time is running out before prices increase — get the lowest rate by Friday, January 6.
Not an AACTE member? Join AACTE today.
04 Jan2023
By Brandi Palmer
AACTE continues its 75 Days | 75 Ways to Advocate for Education campaign launched in December, a celebration of AACTE members taking a leading role in advancing educator preparation for 75 years.
Recent tips encourage education leaders to consider how to make positive changes in the profession.
“My advice to all educators is to find your way from isolation to collaboration and flexibility by creating teams of teachers with distributed expertise,” said Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Dean Carole Basile, Ed.D.
04 Jan2023
By Madeline Will
Climate change is expected to affect every facet of our lives, and students are hungry to learn more about it. Many experts say the topic goes beyond science class and should be woven through subjects and grade levels.
Yet more than three-quarters of teachers have never received any professional training or education on climate change or how to teach it, according to a nationally representative survey of teachers, conducted by the EdWeek Research Center in December.
03 Jan2023
By Texas State University College of Education
Texas State University’s teacher education program has been selected as a Raising Texas Teachers partner, a 10-year, $50 million statewide teacher workforce initiative supported by the Charles Butt Foundation.
“This recognition speaks to our university’s historic roots as a teacher’s college up to our role today in graduating more teachers fully prepared for the classroom than any other university in Texas,” said Michael O’Malley, dean of the College of Education at Texas State. “Working with the Charles Butt Foundation has been a transformative partnership for our teacher education program that benefits not only our students, but the children they will educate throughout their careers.”
Texas State joins 15 universities currently participating in partner teacher programs across the state.
03 Jan2023
By Leslie Ekpe
Congratulations to Jingjing Liu, Holmes Scholar of the Month. Liu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership Program with a concentration in higher education administration at the College of William & Mary. Her dissertation, titled “Faculty Involvement in Vertical Transfer: A Case Study of A Rural Community College,” explores the role of community college faculty in supporting transfer students. Liu’s research agenda focuses on the educational experiences of marginalized groups and social, cultural, and political contexts of learning in higher education.
