Author Archive

Meghan Grenda

Director of Membership, AACTE

Unlock the Power of your AACTE Community: Collaborate with Peers on Connect360

As you probably know, AACTE recently launched its new online community— Connect360.  The Connect360 platform is an engaging and interactive virtual platform that brings together AACTE’s community of over 15,000 individuals in an exciting way. Members are able to start discussions and ask questions of fellow AACTE members, comment on each other’s posts, share best practices, and create their own unique member profile.

With over 20 communities, hundreds of resources, and dozens of discussions, there is a home for everyone.   Below are just a few of the news communities:

Don’t Miss Out on Newest Member Resources

As the fall semester creeps to a close, it’s easy to forget about all that is available to you via your AACTE membership. Check out these member resources:

Resource Library – Have you accessed the AACTE Resource Library lately?  If so, you have probably noticed a few changes, including a single sign on system. AACTE has completed its database migration and with that you will find a seamless way to transition between your AACTE profile and the improved AACTE Resource Library.  Feel free to view some of the latest resources below:

AACTE Adds New Connect360 Virtual Communities 

Connect360 is your new, members-only, virtual platform that brings together AACTE’s community of over 15,000 individuals in a collaborative way. It’s your opportunity to share best practices, connect with colleagues, and engage in ongoing conversations.

With over 20 communities to join, there is a home for everyone. Check out the newest communities:

  • Advisory Council of State Representatives (ACSR) – The Advisory Council of State Representatives (ACSR) operates as the governing body of the AACTE state chapter associations of colleges for teacher education. ACSR meets to advise the national organization on state policy issues and helps to set the policy agenda for the coming year. If you are a member of an AACTE state chapter, please join this community.
  • Holmes Program – The AACTE Holmes Program supports students who self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse and are pursuing graduate degrees in education at AACTE member institutions. If you are a Holmes Scholar or coordinator, we encourage you to join this community.
  • Military Affiliation and Educator Preparation Topical Action Group (TAG) –This TAG aims to highlight longstanding connections between the military and education as well as cultivate new opportunities between the two. This TAG community is open to all AACTE members.

Apply for AACTE Awards by Oct. 8

2022 AACTE AwardsThe deadline is soon approaching to submit your application for the 2022 AACTE awards. Ensure your institution’s best practice or individual, professional achievement is submitted for the 2022 AACTE Award program. Awards will be presented at the AACTE 74th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, March 4-6. Award submissions can be either self-nominated or nominated by a third party. To submit your nomination, visit AACTE’s online submission site  and complete your submission by Friday, October 8

This is the 26th year AACTE’s Awards program has been recognizing member institutions’ exemplary programs as well as individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to education preparation. For an overview of the 2021 award winners, see this press release.

Make the Most of Your AACTE Membership with Exclusive Tools and Resources

The AACTE membership team is working to deliver tools and resources to enhance members’ career development, provide answers to current challenges, and present opportunities to network and engage with other professionals in the field.

We encourage you to check out some of the new and/or enhanced member resources below to ensure you are taking full advantage of all that is offered to you via your AACTE membership. Remember, these tools and resources are available to all faculty, staff, and even students at AACTE member institutions.

Member Spotlight: Kari Vogelgesang

AACTE’s Member Spotlight features an individual from a member institution, highlighting how their work makes a difference in classrooms across the country. Nominate yourself or another member by providing a response to the following questions and sending to mgrenda@aacte.org

Kari VogelgesangMeet Kari Vogelgesang …

Position/Institution: clinical associate professor and director, professional development at Iowa Center for School Mental Health, Baker Teacher Leader Center
College of Education, University of Iowa

      1. How long have you been a member of AACTE?
        I’ve been a member with AACTE for 7 years.

      2. Why did you join AACTE?
        The University of Iowa has had a membership for our teaching and learning faculty since I was hired … and maybe before I was hired?

      3. Why did you decide to enter the field of educator preparation? 
        When I was a practicing elementary school teacher and started working with student teachers, I knew that I wanted to move over to educator preparation. In addition, while completing my master’s program, I surprisingly fell in love with research—particularly research that focused on better understanding classroom practices that can lead to healthier outcomes for our students. 

It’s Renewal Season at AACTE

It's time to renew your membershipAs the Fall 2021 semester kicks off, AACTE would like to remind you to renew your membership for 2022.  With our member’s support we have been able to provide you the tools and resources necessary to successfully navigate the past 18-months. Below are just a few of the essential tools and initiatives AACTE has developed in the past year. 

  • Connect360 – Join this new, members-only, virtual platform that brings together AACTE’s community of over 15,000 individuals in a collaborative way.  Share best practices, connect with colleagues, and engage in ongoing conversations.
  • Research, Reports and Briefs – Receive the latest information from the field, including the update to our popular Colleges of Education: A National Portrait, coming this fall.
  • Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments (CREA) – Discover how AACTE, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is evaluating cut scores and how they can be refined to attract, rather than exclude, potential candidates.
  • ARP Funding Toolkit – Learn how members can collaborate with their local district partners to allocate ESSER funds toward strengthening the educator workforce.
  • Webinars – Explore the latest in the AACTE Webinar library: Leading in and Leading Through Crises: AACTE’s Education Deans in Discussion, Growing and Sustaining White Racial Justice Allyship in Education, and Combating Racism in Educator Prep: Justice and Joy for BIPOC Individuals.

Member Spotlight: Shandra Claiborne-Payton

AACTE’s Member Spotlight features an individual from a member institution, highlighting how their work makes a difference in classrooms across the country. Nominate yourself or another member by providing a response to the following questions and sending to mgrenda@aacte.org.

Get to know Shandra Claiborne-Payton …

Shandra Claiborne-PaytonPosition/Institution: Assistant Professor, Virginia State University
(Also serving at Executive Director for VSU CENTERS STEM Initiatives)
Number of years in your position: 5 years
Alma Mater(s): Ed.D Curriculum and Instructional Leadership, Northcentral University
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA

  1. How long have you been a member of AACTE?
    I have been a member of AACTE for 6 years.

  2. Why did you join AACTE?
    AACTE was the first professional organization I was introduced to as a young faculty. I was also intrigued by their mission to be the leading voice for educator preparation. AACTE provides a variety of opportunities for its members to grow, connect with like-minded individuals, and to learn how to be an advocate for teacher education. Joining AACTE has been a great fit for me to spread my wings and get active.

In Memoriam: Mark R Shibles Jr.

Mark R. Shibles JrMark R. Shibles Jr., former member of the AACTE Board of Directors and former dean and professor emeritus for the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut, passed away on Tuesday, August 24 at the age of 83. 

With an unwavering commitment to education, Dr. Shibles’ career began as a high school history teacher, followed by 30 years of service as a faculty member and former dean of the Neag School of Education.  During his tenure, he taught graduate level courses in educational leadership and served as advisor for over 130 Ph.D. students. 

In addition to being a longstanding AACTE member, Dr. Shibles served on the AACTE Board of Directors, was president of the National Association of Colleges and Schools of Education in State Universities and Land Grant Colleges and Affiliated Private Universities, and was the founder and director of the University of Connecticut Center for Education Policy Analysis.

Welcome to the New ‘Single Sign On’ System: Improving the AACTE Member Experience

New Member Portal screenshot

Have you accessed Connect360, the JTE webpage, or the AACTE Resource Library lately?  If so, you have probably noticed a few changes, including a single sign on system. 

AACTE has completed its database migration and with that you will find

  • A Seamless way to transition between your AACTE profile and Connect360
  • An Improved AACTE Resource Library
  • An Uninterrupted link to access the Journal of Teacher Education (JTE)

Get Ready for Back-to-School Shopping with AACTE

 

Office Depot - Exclusive Savings for AACTE membersWhether you are shopping for yourself or a student in college, a great set of school supplies can help anyone feel prepared and eager to learn. Buying school supplies can prove costly, and savvy consumers are often on the hunt for good deals. As a member of AACTE, you have access to discounted Office Depot pricing. Your discount never expires and can be used for personal, school, or business purchases such as ink, toner, paper, and cleaning and classroom supplies.

AACTE Announces Member Database Upgrade: New Password Required

I am excited to announce that AACTE is enhancing your member experience with easier access to information and greater customization capabilities. Our new membership database upgrade is now complete and fully communicates with AACTE’s website, tools, and online communities. This new technology provides seamless access to all tools and resources in a user-friendly format.

You must reset your password to access all AACTE resources, including the Profile Manager, Event Registration, Membership Directory, Resource Library, and Connect360.  AACTE members can use this start guide to walk you step-by-step through navigating the new system. Topics to explore include:

Member Spotlight: Anne Tapp

Anne TappAACTE’s Member Spotlight features an individual from a member institution, highlighting how their work makes a difference in classrooms across the country. Nominate yourself or another member by providing a response to the following questions and sending to mgrenda@aacte.org.

Get to know Anne Tapp …

Position/Institution: Professor, Saginaw Valley State University 
(also serving as a director for the University of Michigan Center for Digital Curriculum) 
Number of years in your position: 19 years 
Alma Mater(s):  Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Wayne State University 
Hometown: Frankenmuth, MI