23 Jan2020
By Linda Minor
If you are planning to attend the AACTE 72nd Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, you already know there are great educational sessions being offered, fantastic restaurants to eat at while you are in the city, and fun attractions to see and do, but did you know …
- The city got its current name from railroad engineer J. Edgar Thompson. It is thought to be a shortened version of “Atlantica-Pacifica.” Before being named Atlanta, the city was originally named Terminus and Marthasville (the latter for Governor Wilson Lumpkin’s daughter).
- Atlanta is one of two cities in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Jimmy Carter and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. President Carter received his Nobel in 2002. Dr. King received his in 1964 and when he. won, Atlanta threw him a dinner party that was almost cancelled due to opposition. Coca-Cola’s CEO at that time threatened to move the company out of the city because he thought it was an embarrassment that the city’s people wouldn’t honor their Nobel Prize winner.
- The city’s symbol is the mythological creature “phoenix.” During the Civil War, General William Sherman burned the city on his infamous “March to the Sea.” Following the city’s surrender to Sherman in 1864, only 400 structures remained standing. However, like the mythological phoenix, Atlanta rose from the ashes stronger and more beautiful, a scene depicted in Gone with the Wind. Atlanta resident Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone with the Wind because an ankle injury kept her from walking and she was really, really bored.
- The Varsity is the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world and serves more Coca-Cola by volume than anywhere else in the world. Housed on more than two acres in Downtown Atlanta, the Varsity has been an Atlanta institution for more than 75 years. The restaurant makes two miles of hot dogs, 2,500 pounds of potatoes, 5,000 fried pies and 300 gallons of chili from scratch each day. Be sure to stop by while you’re in town.
23 Jan2020
By Azaria Cunningham
Congratulations to Francisco J. Ocasio, Holmes Scholar of the Month for January 2020. Ocasio is pursuing a doctorate in Teacher Education and Teacher Development at Montclair State University (MSU). His primary doctoral research interests include the disadvantages of LGBTQ+ staff members working within schools. He is passionate about creating safe spaces for developing critical thinkers and providing opportunities for educational risks.
Ocasio began his Holmes journey as a Masters student in 2015 at William Paterson University. His many accolades include being a Fulbright-Hays Scholar in 2017 in Israel, the commencement speaker for the graduate commencement ceremony in 2017, and the NJ Distinguished Student Teacher State Award in 2010.
Ocasio has worked as a teacher for 11 years. He currently works as an English honors educator at Passaic County Technical Institute Vocational High School. Ocasio supports the LGBTQ+ community within his high school. He is consistently involved with helping teachers and students with extracurricular activities via Supplemental Educational Service (SES), the Hispanic Heritage Club, and the Teacher Talent Show. Ocasio is a board member on the Friends for the Hispanic Research Institute Center, a community group that partners with the Newark Public Library to support the New Jersey Hispanic Research and Information Center (NJHRIC) with funding. NJHRIC is a non-profit organization that fundraises to maintain and preserve Latinx historical records and resources for the state of New Jersey.
23 Jan2020
Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers: The Story Of One Teacher Preparation Program
By Brenda Morton and Anna Berardi
Ed Prep Matters features the “Revolutionizing Education” column to spotlight the many ways AACTE, member institutions, and partners are pioneering leading-edge research, models, strategies and programs that focus on the three core values outlined in the current AACTE strategic plan: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Quality and impact; and Inquiry and Innovation.
Long before the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) survey illustrated the dire consequences of adverse events on children, educators have known that today’s students are more stressed than previous generations. They face greater challenges developing executive functioning skills needed to succeed in social-emotional and academic tasks. Trauma-informed school approaches have flourished in an attempt to more effectively teach students suffering the consequences of home-based or social-cultural trauma. But we know that this challenge requires more than just offering teachers conferences or webinars on trauma-informed school techniques. We need multi-level systemic change in the way our profession conceptualizes what it truly means to incorporate advances in the neurobiology of trauma and learning.
In our open access, no cost text Trauma-Informed School Practices we address this challenge by detailing systemic change processes in the application of trauma-informed knowledge. The Trauma-Informed School Practices Tri-Phasic Model (diagram #1) outlines best-practices as applied to students. It is embedded in the Six Elements of Education System Change (diagram #2) needed to ensure a lasting incorporation of this paradigm shift. The reality is, we can’t place the burden of change on current teachers; all of us need to participate.
23 Jan2020
By Kim Chaudoin
This article originally appeared on the Lipscomb University website and is reprinted with permission.
More than 10,000 books are being distributed to children in high priority schools in Metro Nashville Public Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools through a partnership between Lipscomb University’s College of Education and Middle Tennessee State University as the result of a $50,000 grant from First Book.
Suze Gilbert, lead faculty for reading speciality in Lipscomb’s College of Education, and Katie Schrodt, assistant professor in MTSU’s Department of Elementary and Special Education, collaborated with nonprofits Read TO Succeed and Book’Em on this initiative. The grant provides 10,000 books to children and teachers in high priority schools in MNPS and Murfreesboro. In addition to the books, the grant also provides funding for professional development for teachers in those schools. Gilbert and Schrodt are hosting teachers from MNPS and Murfreesboro City schools on both the Lipscomb University and MTSU campuses throughout the winter months to engage in professional learning on Family Literacy Nights and Disciplinary Literacy. Each participating school will receive books to give to children during a Family Literacy Night to be held at each school and books to build classroom libraries.
23 Jan2020
By Deborah Koolbeck
A new year brings with it the start of the Second Session of the 116th Congress. The 2019 holiday season brought its own gift: On December 20 of last year, the president signed into law the appropriations bills that funded programs important to the profession—and many programs saw increases.
What can we expect as the Fiscal Year 2021 process begins to unfold? Will the increases remain, are cuts possible? What impact(s) can we expect, if any, from the Impeachment Trial in the U.S. Senate? How will the election affect both appropriations and legislation? In addition, the Census is starting; are you ready to help with the count on campus? This member exclusive webinar opportunity will cover these questions and also answer your questions in a Q & A session after the presentation.
Please note: there will be no webinars in February. Get your federal update live at the AACTE Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA. Hurry! Registration closes on January 24.
Plan to attend the January 2020 Update
Tuesday, January 28 5:00 – 6:00 pm Register
Wednesday, January 29 12:30 – 1:30 pm Register
23 Jan2020
By Aaron Mudd
This article originally appeared in Bowling Green Daily News and is reprinted with permission.
A federal grant award topping $1 million to Western Kentucky University will help address a shortage of special education professionals seen regionally and across Kentucky.
“The shortages are felt nationally, but definitely in an acute manner in our rural communities,” said WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean Corinne Murphy, whose college is heading up the effort called Project PREP, or Preparing Rural Educators and Professionals for Students with High-Intensity Needs.
The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education said there’s a shortage and a lack of diversity of fully prepared and credentialed special education teachers in public schools across the country.
23 Jan2020
By Allen Clarkson
Advocating in education policy can seem a daunting endeavor. From federal engagement to statehouse meetings to local councils and school boards, the field can look overwhelming and individual impact feel scattered. At the heart, though, education and educator preparation are state issues. Engaging at the state and local level is the best way to have a direct impact on behalf of students and the profession.
The Committee on Government Relations and Advocacy, one of AACTE’s standing committees, is offering a preconference at the AACTE Annual Meeting focused directly on helping you develop your advocacy skills for state and local engagement. Your Levers of Civic Power: Moving the Gears of Democracy is half-day interactive session designed to provide information and practice in three important areas of state and local advocacy: participating in town halls, speaking before a committee or commission, and engaging candidates during a debate.
20 Jan2020
By Lynn M. Gangone
Happy New Year! Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I encourage you take a moment today to reflect upon Dr. King’s work and consider what each of us can do to further his vision. AACTE is committed to keeping his dream alive by elevating social justice, equity, and diversity in education.
Join us in Atlanta next month, as we work together to disrupt inequities at the 2020 Annual Meeting. Please take a few minutes to watch the above video and learn more about what the conference has to offer.
17 Jan2020
By Caitlin Wilson
AACTE is excited to work in partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards on several initiatives that contribute to a vision of a coherent career trajectory that supports teachers from initial preparation through teacher leadership opportunities and beyond. The mission of the National Board is to advance the quality of teaching and learning through a voluntary advanced certification. By doing so, the National Board aims to align the teaching profession with other professions such as medicine. Through this collaboration, AACTE, National Board, and other teacher professional organizations seek to elevate the teaching profession and ensure each student is taught by a fully prepared and accomplished teacher.
The work of the National Board, the National Board Standards, and the certification process is founded on five core propositions that describe what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do to effectively support student learning. The five core propositions and National Board Standards are developed and revised by educators based on research and their expertise as practitioners.
17 Jan2020
By Linda Minor
Are you looking for networking opportunities during the AACTE Annual Meeting? Well, we have plenty to offer. First stop: the Conference Community Center on the Marquis Level to connect with colleagues, where you can grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. A continental breakfast is available on Friday and Saturday mornings, a break is included on Saturday afternoon and the opening reception is open to all on Friday evening. The Marquis Level of the Marriott Marquis is also the place for you to visit with our sponsors and exhibitors. To find out more about our sponsors, exhibitors, and the layout of the Conference Community Center, visit our Annual Meeting Sponsors and Exhibitors page.
Next stop: the AACTE Gallery, which is located in Marquis Ballroom B, conveniently adjacent to the Conference Community Center. The Gallery offers attendees an opportunity to discover some new and exciting things this year. Stop by and see live interviews taking place at the AACTE Studio, meet the AACTE Membership team and play some fun games (and maybe win a prize or two), stroll through the AACTE Holmes Student and NACCTEP posters, and join in the Coffee and Conversations to discuss some hot topics.
16 Jan2020
By Jerrica Thurman
Join AACTE and your professional community in Atlanta as we advance the Association’s new vision to revolutionize education for all learners. During the 2020 Annual Meeting, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the recently approved AACTE Core Values in concurrent sessions highlighting key areas.
AACTE will leverage the collective knowledge and experience of leading experts on ways to progress the Association’s strategic direction in these robust sessions:
16 Jan2020
By Katrina Norfleet
In an article that originally appeared in Special Ed Connection, author Kara Arundel spotlights AACTE’s collaboration with the CEEDAR Center in launching the Reducing the Shortage of Special Education Teachers Networked Improvement Community (NIC). As part of the NIC initiative, 10 preparation programs in higher education have been selected to participate in this NIC and implement a range of strategies that will positively impact the special education teacher shortage by the Fall of 2022.
Cleveland State University (CSU) is one of the universities featured in the article, along with its Associate Dean for Faculty and External Affairs Tachelle Banks. AACTE’s Caitlin Wilson commented on how CSU and the nine other institutions will help find solutions to the nationwide teacher shortage. “By better understanding what works in particular context and comparing how it is similar or different at another university helps us to learn and share with the filed how that particular strategy or promising practice might be adapted depending on local conditions,” said Wilson, the director of program improvement and practice.
Read the full article, “Network of Universities Collaborate to Solve Special Educator Shortages.“
16 Jan2020
By Katrina Norfleet
The School Superintendents Association (AASA) announce the four finalists for the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year,® a distinction that honors school system leaders throughout the country for making a positive difference in the lives of the students they serve. The four finalists for the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year® are:
- Gustavo Balderas, Eugene School District 4J, Eugene, Ore.
- Samantha Fuhrey, Newton County School System, Covington, Ga.
- Michael Nagler, Mineola Public Schools, Mineola, N.Y.
- Jeffery Smith, Hampton City Schools, Hampton, Va.
16 Jan2020
AACTE’s DEI Video on The Importance of Culturally Relevant Teaching
By Jerrica Thurman
Ed Prep Matters features the “Revolutionizing Education” column to spotlight the many ways AACTE, member institutions, and partners are pioneering leading-edge research, models, strategies and programs that focus on the three core values outlined in the current AACTE strategic plan: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Quality and impact; and Inquiry and Innovation.
The next segment of the AACTE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion video series features AACTE’s strategic priority to advocate for high-quality educator preparation. Equitable access to education for students from all cultures requires teachers to use knowledge, frame of references, and performance styles of ethnically diverse students to make learning more relevant and effective to them. In AACTE’s DEI video, “The Importance of Culturally Relevant Teaching,” leading educators discuss a teaching pedagogy that affirms students’ differences and diversity.
14 Jan2020
By Katrina Norfleet
AACTE kicks off its countdown today to the advance registration deadline for AACTE’s 72nd Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA. Only 10 days are left to take advantage of discounted rates. As the largest gathering of educator preparation professionals in the nation, AACTE’s Annual Meeting offers you access to essential tools to drive change at your institution, in your community, and for the profession.
Here are 10 reasons to attend #AACTE20:
- Join the conversation and tackle important issues in education today with a diverse set of peers.
- Get motivated by inspiring speakers and gain fresh perspectives.
- Tailor your learning experience by choosing among hundreds of sessions that cover a broad variety of topics.
- Discover new ideas that can make you more effective with your students, colleagues, and partners.
- Engage with attendees, form new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Bring a colleague to share in the learning!
- Build new alliances, business ventures, and partnerships to advance your work.
- Take part in hands on demonstrations of new products, and discuss solutions to your specific needs with exhibitors and sponsors.
- Step outside your comfort zone and open your mind to innovation.
- Achieve greater focus on the problems of practice to help you take your programs to the next level.
- Experience the energy of different perspectives uniting around common goals. Add your voice to the mix!
View the full lineup of the keynote speakers, schedule and preconference events on our website. To see the full list of sessions and create your personal schedule, log in to the Online Event Planner.
The January 24 advance registration deadline is quickly approaching! Act now to get the best rates.
