Lynn M. Gangone Recounts AACTE Legacy in Podcast Episode
“As a leader, I think it’s important to know your values and where you stand… For me, educational equity has been the cornerstone for my work as an educator in all the different roles that I’ve had,” said AACTE President & CEO Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D., CAE.
Gangone was recently featured on EDUP Xcelerated Excellence‘s episode “Dr. Lynn M. Gangone—Leading for High Quality Educator Preparation,” where she engaged with host, Jacob Easley II, Ph.D., PMP, on the history of AACTE and her legacy as she prepares for retirement.
Gangone assumed the role of AACTE president and CEO during a turbulent period in education and intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to the association’s well-being drove key strategic developments, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
During the podcast discussion, Gangone elaborated on the AACTE strategic plan and her excitement about the AACTE rebranding occurring during her tenure as AACTE president and CEO. Gangone noted on her article co-authored with AACTE Dean in Residence Leslie T. Fenwick, Ph.D., “AACTE, the Profession, and the Future,” which studied the history of the Association, challenges faced by educators across the nation, and how the Association can prepare for the future. According to Gangone, the ongoing evolution of AACTE over its seven decades of existence can be encapsulated by the key terms “educate, advocate, and innovate,” which are reflected in the new logo.
Gangone’s legacy is further characterized by her advancement of internationalization initiatives, highlighting the significance of engaging with and learning from international institutions and programs that resemble U.S. educator preparation programs (EPPs).
Gangone will speak on the innovation of EPPs for the Global Network of Deans of Education meeting in early September.
Easley, who also serves as president of the New York Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, echoed Gangone’s views on the significance of registered teaching apprenticeships. He highlighted the crucial need to improve access to these pathways for individuals who might otherwise lack equal opportunities to pursue essential teaching roles.
“We are seeing many paraprofessionals, who tend to be underpaid and underutilized, many of whom are women of color, moving into full-time careers as teachers because of the registered apprenticeship program,” Gangone said.
Looking to the Future
Throughout her remarks, Gangone emphasized that the importance of advocating for both EPPs but also K-12 education, and how that that need will always be a priority for AACTE and its partner organizations, especially for fluctuating political cycles.
“We have seen these cycles. It is very challenging to be an advocate for both K-12 education and higher education, but I have every confidence that the new CEO will continue to do so on behalf of AACTE,” Gangone said.
As Gangone prepares for her transition, she assures members and colleagues can stay engaged with her on platforms like LinkedIn, and is eager to participate in local programs in her home state of Colorado, with continued service to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives centered around education.
Tags: Lynn M. Gangone, media
