Resilience and Revolutionization: A Look-Back at Lynn M. Gangone’s Leadership at AACTE
As Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D., CAE, prepares to retire from her role as President and CEO of AACTE, it is an opportune moment to reflect on her impactful leadership from 2017 to 2024. As she leaves AACTE in her eighth year of service, Gangone has not only navigated significant changes in the landscape of educator preparation but has also laid a solid foundation for the future of AACTE and its commitment to revolutionizing education for all learners.
Navigating Change in Teacher Preparation
Gangone’s tenure coincided with pivotal shifts in education preparation program accreditors and the growth of non-higher education alternative preparation programs. Under her guidance, AACTE adeptly adapted to these challenges, ensuring that comprehensive educator preparation programs maintained their relevance while embracing innovative pathways to educator preparation. Her foresight in recognizing these trends allowed the association to remain a leading voice in representing colleges of education and their educator preparation programs, shaping the future of innovative educator preparation.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Gangone’s leadership was her response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of unprecedented challenges, she swiftly worked with the AACTE National Office to pivot the Association’s offerings to provide members with more virtual opportunities and resources and facilitated key meetings with colleague organizations to holistically respond to the needs of AACTE members and their students. This adaptability not only kept the community engaged but also highlighted the importance of resilience and innovation in times of crisis.
Working closely with the board of directors, Gangone spearheaded efforts to define strategic priorities that would guide AACTE into the future. Her leadership was instrumental in aligning the Association’s goals with the evolving needs of its members and the educational landscape, ensuring that AACTE remained responsive and proactive in a changing world, committed to “revolutionizing education for all learners.”
Another of Gangone’s key innovations was the establishment of the Dean in Residence role, a strategic initiative that brought in esteemed educator Leslie T. Fenwick, Ph.D. This role fostered collaboration among deans and provided a platform for sharing best practices and innovative ideas, ultimately enriching the educational community and enhancing AACTE’s influence in higher education.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Gangone has been a steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the educator preparation workforce. By prioritizing DEI efforts, she has played a crucial role in diversifying the field, ensuring that the next generation of educators reflects the rich diversity of the student populations they serve. Her commitment to these values has transformed AACTE into a model of inclusivity and social justice.
This, in turn, meant the AACTE Holmes Scholars program flourished under Gangone’s tenure, achieving record numbers of scholars and participating institutions. This initiative has become a cornerstone of AACTE’s mission to support underrepresented students pursuing careers in education, further underscoring her dedication to fostering equity in teacher preparation.
Amplifying AACTE’s Voice
Gangone has also been a key figure in amplifying AACTE’s public relations efforts. Her strategic approach to communication has successfully positioned the association in major news outlets worldwide, ensuring that the voices of AACTE and its members are heard on important issues affecting education. This visibility has enhanced AACTE’s influence and credibility on national and international stages.
Gangone engages with the Biden-Harris Administration in August 2022 to discuss the nationwide school staffing shortages.
Through strengthened advocacy partnerships and a proactive approach, Gangone has ensured AACTE’s representation at the national level, including collaboration with the White House and the Department of Education to address the nation’s pressing teacher shortage. Her work in this area has been critical in shaping policies and innovative programs that support and sustain the teaching profession.
Recognizing the importance of globalization in educator preparation, Gangone has actively engaged with the Global Network of Deans of Education and other opportunities to internationalize teacher preparation. This initiative has helped AACTE establish a presence in the global education landscape, fostering international collaboration and the sharing of best practices across borders.
Celebrating a Legacy
As AACTE celebrates over 75 years of revolutionary work in education, Gangone’s leadership has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the association and the field at large. Her commitment to advancing education, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for educators has set a standard for future leaders in the profession.
“Under her stewardship, the organization underwent significant transformation,” said Anne Tapp Jaksa, Ph.D., chair-elect of AACTE’s board of directors and professor at the College of Education at Saginaw State University, earlier this year in a ceremony honoring Gangone during AACTE’s Washington Week. “She championed inclusivity and ensured diversity and equity were not just woven into the fabric of our programs but were also a cornerstone of our strategic objectives.”
Gangone’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era for AACTE. Her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless advocacy have not only shaped the association but have also significantly impacted the future of education. As we bid farewell to Gangone, we carry forward her legacy of excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to equity in education.
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