Author Archive

Looking Back and Moving Forward: Journey through AACTE’s History

This month, AACTE begins its 76th year by looking back and moving forward. In February 1948, AACTE held its founding meeting in Atlantic City, NJ, and adopted its constitution and bylaws. AACTE invites you to take a journey from then until now, with the “75 Years Leading a Profession” digital timeline.

Over the course of the last three-quarters of a century, the Association experienced “The Start of Something Big” and through the decades, it reshaped teacher preparation, became a driving influence in the field, navigated turbulence and shifts in the landscape, and so much more. These key moments —critical decisions, collaborations, and initiatives — are documented in the timeline with historical photos, notable quotes, significant publications, and important “did you know?” facts.

AACTE Celebrates Public Schools Week 2024 

AACTE is joining with the Learning First Alliance and partners nationwide to celebrate educators, students, and school communities during Public Schools Week 2024.  

This year’s week of events takes place from February 26 to March 1, 2024. Throughout the week — families, educators, and community members are encouraged to highlight the amazing things happening in their local public schools while expressing their support and advocacy for public education and all the benefits it provides children and families alike.  

“Public schools not only educate the minds of our future leaders but nurture the values of community, citizenship, and democracy that cultivate a society where every individual has the chance to thrive and contribute,” said AACTE President and CEO Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D. “AACTE extends a happy Public Schools Week to our educator workforce that stands as pillars for the students who will one day become exemplary American citizens.” 

AACTE Launches Inspiring Brand Refresh at 2024 Annual Meeting

AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) unveiled a transformative brand refresh at its 2024 Annual Meeting in Aurora/Denver, Colo., on Feb. 16. The comprehensive update signifies a new era in educator preparation, and Phase I of AACTE’s rebranding. With a modernized logo and an inspiring tagline, AACTE reinforces its position as the leading voice in educator preparation and its charge to stay at the forefront of progressing the field.

The new logo stands as the centerpiece of AACTE’s brand refresh, a symbol of the organization’s vision for educator preparation and its role in shaping the future of education. Moving from the old logo to this new design, AACTE signifies a journey towards what’s possible — for the Association, for educator preparation, and importantly, for each student and educator in the nation’s—and world’s—classrooms.

Grenot-Scheyer of California State University Assumes Role as AACTE Board Chair

AACTE (American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education) welcomes Marquita Grenot-Scheyer, Ph.D., into her role as the 2024-25 chair of the AACTE Board of Directors.

For the next year, Grenot-Scheyer will serve alongside AACTE President and CEO Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D., in supporting education advocacy and innovation, strategic priorities of AACTE.

“Accepting the role of chair of the board of directors at AACTE is not merely an honor; it is a commitment to championing excellence in educator preparation,” Grenot-Scheyer said. “My goal is to navigate the currents of change with grace, to amplify educator voices, and to support our work towards a future where every educator is empowered to support student success and be an agent for positive change in the lives of our nation’s PK-12 students.”

AACTE’s NY State Affiliate Spotlights Student Voices for a Diversified Teacher Workforce in Upcoming Webinar

The robust support from AACTE’s state affiliates bolsters our unified advocacy endeavors, fostering the exchange of invaluable experience and expertise. In addition, it opens doors to diverse professional development opportunities for our members. With great enthusiasm, we are delighted to announce an upcoming development opportunity, accessible to all, presented by our New York Chapter.

The New York Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NYACTE) will host a webinar on February 28, 2024, to highlight student perspectives regarding the current status of education and the racial diversity gap among teachers in New York. Students enrolled in educator preparation programs in New York, as well as those associated with the My Brother’s Keeper Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC II) and AACTE Holmes Masters programs, will impart their perspectives and personal experiences with the current state of education. You will also develop an awareness and admiration for the importance of programs like TOC II and Holmes in helping to eliminate obstacles to workforce diversity.

Register for this webinar online.

 

 

Unveiling the Power of ATLAS at #AACTE24

Get ready to embark on a journey that will transform how you approach teacher preparation. The upcoming AACTE 2024 Annual Meeting is set to feature a hands-on exploration of ATLAS, an online video library by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In this AACTE Learning Lab, participants will uncover the multitude of ways ATLAS is being utilized by educator preparation programs (EPPs) to enhance teacher candidates’ exposure to effective teaching and cultivate their reflective abilities.  

Cultivating Resiliency in Times of Change: Howard Teibel to Close #AACTE24

Higher education is going through a seismic change — traditional methods are crumbling as the value proposition is increasingly questioned in our public discourse. Student needs are changing, while the ways education and work are delivered are transforming. 

Howard Teibel, president of Teibel Education Consulting, will deliver the closing keynote of the AACTE 2024 Annual Meeting on February 18 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. to explore cultivating resiliency as change is at the forefront in educator preparation programs across the nation.

Teibel will pose the questions: What skills enable emotional resiliency that allow us to lead this kind of change effort? How can we best orient faculty, deans, and their colleagues to focus and build this shared commitment?

Unlocking Excellence: Join Us for the “Developing Equity-Centered Principals” Learning Lab at #AACTE24

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all participants of the AACTE 2024 Annual Meeting to join us for a pivotal Learning Lab, “Developing Equity-Centered Principals.” In the pursuit of excellence in education, understanding and addressing issues of equity are paramount. This session, scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. MST, promises to be a transformative experience for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive learning environments.

Promoting Integrity and Social Responsibility in Teacher Education at #AACTE24

Join the Kern Family Foundation’s sponsored Featured Session, “Integrity and Social Responsibility in Teacher Education,” on Saturday, February 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Colorado Ballroom B.

Character education and integrity are pivotal aspects of educator education as they form the bedrock of an educator’s professional identity and practice. Integrating character education into educator preparation programs equips future educators with the tools to address complex ethical challenges they may encounter, ultimately contributing to the creation of safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environments. Through their commitment to honesty, empathy, equity, and respect, educators can inspire the next generation to become not only academically proficient but also morally grounded individuals who contribute positively to their communities and society at large.

AACTE is Co-Hosting National Symposium for Educator Preparation, Policy, and Leadership

Registration is Open



AACTE is co-hosting the 2024 National Symposium for Educator Preparation, Policy, and Leadership. The symposium will bring together teachers, university/college faculty, education deans, teacher leaders, school district personnel and superintendents, state licensure and certification professionals, education leaders, and state and federal policymakers to identify and highlight effective and equitable strategies, resources, policies and practices to recruit, prepare, and retain an effective teacher workforce with a focus on teachers from historically marginalized communities.

#AACTE24 Goes Digital with Mobile App

The #AACTE24 Mobile App is now available — download it today. Get ready for an immersive and interactive experience at the upcoming AACTE 2024 Annual Meeting, taking place at the Gaylord Rockies in Aurora/Denver, CO, from February 16–18.

The mobile app serves as your personalized conference program, offering a comprehensive overview of the event’s lineup of sessions and presenters. Customize your meeting experience by adding sessions, presenters, and posters to your favorites, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any key insights. Taking notes during sessions is made easy, and you can even download presentations for future reference. Stay on top of the action by accessing real-time information on session locations while on the go.

If you have already created an account for the online planner, simply log in using those credentials. For newcomers, creating an account is a breeze. Embrace the convenience of digital connectivity and engage with #AACTE24 attendees.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your #AACTE24 experience. Read for more information and Mobile App FAQs.

Member Spotlight: Amy Ginsberg Previews #AACTE24 Learning Lab for Increasing Educator Diversity

As the AACTE 2024 Annual Meeting quickly approaches, Ed Prep Matters will highlight presenters of Featured Sessions and Learning Labs. These accomplished experts represent a diverse spectrum of thought leadership in the field of teacher education, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and groundbreaking insights to the forefront. Get ready to be inspired by members in the field, each poised to elevate and shape the future of educator preparation.

Learning Lab: Leveraging Innovation and Partnerships to Increase Educator Diversity

Investments in educator diversity initiatives continue to show measurable success. The plight to diversify the educator workforce requires federally funded programs that support innovative and sustainable solutions. This session will highlight the most recent federal effort, the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers for Excellence Program inaugural grantees, and the innovative projects and partnerships that are underway at minority-serving institutions to develop educators to meet the current and future needs of a diverse K-12 student population.

In this member spotlight, Amy Ginsberg, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education at William Paterson University discusses her presentation in this Learning Lab and what attendees can look forward to in this engaging conversation.

Colorado Education Commissioner to Open #AACTE24

Susana Córdova, Colorado Commissioner of Education, will present the keynote address at the AACTE 2024 Annual Meeting Opening Session on Friday, February 16 at 9:00 a.m.

Córdova was named Colorado’s 18th education commissioner and the first Latina to hold the state’s top education position in June 2023. Prior to being named commissioner, Córdova spent more than 30 years in education. She served as an assistant principal, principal, director, chief academic officer, chief schools officer, and deputy superintendent before becoming the superintendent of Denver Public Schools (DPS). She also served as deputy superintendent in Dallas ISD, the second-largest district in Texas.

Córdova, who grew up in Denver, was a student in the district she later went on to lead. Among her priorities as superintendent was to “break the historical patterns of inequity that have resulted in far too few black, brown, and low-income children succeeding at high levels.”

Preview the Featured Keynote Speakers for #AACTE24

Join AACTE on Saturday, February 17 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. for the Featured Keynote panel during the 2024 Annual Meeting where education experts will discuss how democracy intersects with education.

The Future of American Democracy, Public Schools, and National Security: What This Means for the Future of Education and the Professions, is informed by research published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which indicates that “liberal democracy is in crisis where it was long thought most securely established.”  Additionally, a recent Social Science and Medicine study affirmed this finding indicating that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States was one of 130 countries that experienced threats and violations of espoused and constitutionally codified democratic norms. In a fireside chat format, this lively session examines the knotty intersections between sustaining and protecting American democracy, maintaining public schools as the American institution devoted to producing citizens for our democracy, and teaching social comprehension and history in a manner that enables young people to become skilled researchers able to accurately discern information (and its sources), cultivate knowledge, communicate thoughtfully, and serve humanity.

This Featured Keynote panel will be moderated by education journalist Valerie Strauss, who will be joined by Sigal Ben-Porath, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Pennsylvania; Leslie T. Fenwick, Ph.D., dean emerita of Howard University’s School of Education and dean in residence of AACTE; and Christina Sneed, Curriculum Developer, The Pulitzer Center.