Demographic Trends of PK-12 Teachers/Students and Higher Education Faculty/Students

Article 2 of Exploring Leadership Diversity in Educator Preparation Programs: An Asian/American Perspective

The “Exploring Leadership Diversity in Educator Preparation Programs: An Asian/American Perspective” series is a multi-article study that aims to share the discoveries of a yearlong study that Nicholas D. Hartlep, Ph.D., and Rachel Endo, Ph.D., undertook during the 2023–2024 academic year. Their qualitative study explored the experiences of current and former Asian/American Education Preparation Program (EPP) leaders via surveys and interviews. The first two articles of this series will set the stage for continuation.

In this article, the authors highlight current demographic trends of PK-12 teachers/students and higher education faculty/students. The authors argue that there is a democratic imperative that educator preparation programs (EPPs) diversify their leadership.

The Urgency to Address Asian/American Leadership Diversity in Educator Preparation Programs

Article 1 of Exploring Leadership Diversity in Educator Preparation Programs: An Asian/American Perspective

 Introduction

The “Exploring Leadership Diversity in Educator Preparation Programs: An Asian/American Perspective” series is a multi-article study that aims to share the discoveries of a yearlong study that Nicholas D. Hartlep, Ph.D., and Rachel Endo, Ph.D., undertook during the 2023–2024 academic year. Their qualitative study explored the experiences of current and former Asian/American Education Preparation Program (EPP) leaders via surveys and interviews. The first two articles of this series will set the stage for continuation.

In this article, the authors introduce themselves and their leadership perspectives as Asian/Americans. This thought leadership series is being sponsored by AACTE and focuses on Asian/American Leaders of educator preparation programs (EPPs).

Understanding AI in Education: Your Participation is Essential 

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education continues to reshape teaching and learning landscapes. Our commitment to understanding this transformation is exemplified through our ongoing research, focused on the perceptions and experiences of PK-12 and post-secondary educators with AI tools. As AI’s influence grows, it is crucial to gather and analyze insights from those at the forefront of educational innovation — our pre-service and in-service educators and school administrators. 

In a recent study, a majority of educational stakeholders expressed favorable views toward AI tools (Impact Research, 2023b). Yet, detailed understanding of how these tools are being utilized and their impacts remains limited. Surveys tailored to capture the nuanced experiences and perceptions of undergraduate and graduate students within educator preparation programs (EPPs) will explore these dynamics further, providing a comparative analysis with high school students’ AI engagement (Schiel, Bobek, & Schnieders, 2023). 

Meet AACTE Cohort Coaches 

Level Up Your Skills with Trusted Education Leaders 



AACTE understands the multifaceted demands facing deans, department chairs, and senior leaders today and is committed to providing tailored coaching solutions that empower you to lead successfully.
 

You are invited to embark on a journey of transformative leadership with AACTE Coaching. Partner with a coach and a cohort of your peers to strengthen skills, navigate challenges, learn new tools, and realize your full potential as you shape the future of excellence in teacher education. 

Biden-Harris Administration to Create New National Recognition Program for Institutions that Increase Economic Mobility 

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced at the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Attaining College Excellence and Equity Summit the release of a Request for Information (RFI) to develop a new Postsecondary Student Success Recognition Program that will uplift institutions of higher education that support all students to complete affordable credentials of value that prepare them for success. Members of the public will have 30 days to submit suggestions to the Department about this new annual recognition program. 

“Imagine a world where schools with the most Pell Grant recipients are ranked highest in U.S. News and World Report, where ‘prestige’ is defined by preparing graduates well to enter the workforce and lead fulfilling lives and careers—sometimes right in their own communities. Imagine universities raising the bar for access and equity becoming household names. This award seeks to make that world possible,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today in his remarks. “Instead of giving schools high marks for the number of students they turn down, we want to recognize schools doing the most to lift students up.”  

In Michigan: Teachers Earn $700,000 in Grants for Achieving National Board Certification

More than 100 teachers in 53 school districts are receiving $732,000 in grants from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for earning National Board Certification. 

“Michigan children are the biggest winners when our schools have highly accomplished teachers who have met rigorous standards to receive National Board Certification,” said State Superintendent Michael F. Rice, Ph.D. “That’s why MDE is awarding grants to these 126 outstanding teachers who have earned this certification. We applaud these teachers’ dedication to professional development and their students.” 

UTRGV to Showcase Program’s Tech Innovation in Webinar

On May 9, from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. ET, the recipient of the 2024 Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology, the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will present their Empowered Educator Program for 21st Century Teaching (E2) as part of AACTE’s Lunch & Learn series. During this virtual event, “Unlocking Digital Pedagogy through the Empowered Educator Program at UTRGV,” faculty will focus on E2’s ability to equip teacher candidates with essential skills for modern education. 

The Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology award, overseen by AACTE’s Committee on Innovation and Technology, recognizes an innovative use of educational technologies in a school, college, or department of education and highlights initiatives that creatively infuse technology into the curriculum, transcending conventional teaching methods and bringing about transformative changes in educational practices.  

Indra Lyn Owens Named April 2024 Holmes Scholar of the Month

Congratulations to Indra Lyn Owens, the distinguished Holmes Scholar of the Month for April 2024. Owens is an inspiring educator, counselor, and community leader who embodies the spirit of the Holmes Program. As a second-year doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Rowan University, Owens is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through mental health advocacy and building resilient families.

Owens’ passion for service began early as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, embracing the mantra “Service to All Mankind.” Her commitment to being an agent of positive change in her community is woven through every aspect of her work and life.

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Weadé James 

AACTE is grateful for the service and contributions that Weadé James, Ph.D., vice president for organizational advancement, brought to AACTE during her four-year tenure. She will complete her time with the Association at the end of this month.   

Through her service, James has expanded AACTE’s impact and non-dues revenue through grants and contracts and has strengthened relationships with education partners. Under her guidance, the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program has flourished, providing invaluable support and opportunities for emerging leaders of color in the field of educator preparation. 

Why AACTE’s Leadership Academy is Essential for Professional Development

In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, navigating the complexities of leadership demands more than just expertise in pedagogy; it requires strategic vision, effective communication, and adept decision-making. Recognizing this, AACTE’s Leadership Academy is a cornerstone for empowering educator preparation academic leaders —  deans, department chairs, and other administrators — to thrive in their unique roles.

Join AACTE June 18–20 in Cleveland, OH, where Leadership Academy will accelerate personal and professional growth, offering members a unique opportunity to hone their skills, collaborate with peers, and find solace in shared experiences. The New Deans Academy is open to those with less than three or less years of experience in their role and will be held on June 17.

Preview AACTE’s Program for Washington Week 2024

Early Bird Registration Closes May 1

Are you ready to delve into the heart of educator preparation advocacy? Look no further than AACTE Washington Week — set against the backdrop of the nation’s capital, June 3–5 in Washington, DC. This event promises an unparalleled opportunity to engage with key policymakers, thought leaders, and advocates in the field of education.

Aspiring to the Characteristics of Technology Infused Preparation Programs

How Does Your Preparation Program Compare?

AACTE has long emphasized the need for a more robust integration of technology in teacher preparation programs. This vision involves a shift beyond mere coursework on educational technology to a comprehensive, program-wide infusion of technology, helping candidates graduate from programs as technologically proficient teachers. How does your preparation program compare to the literature on technology infusion? 

The Vision of Technology Infusion

QR Code to Survey

Technology Infusion represents a holistic strategy to empower preservice teachers with high-level proficiency with the digital tools necessary for PK-12 students to engage in modern-day learning experiences. This approach ensures that candidates benefit from continuous, developmentally appropriate exposure to technology’s potential to be seamlessly addressed throughout their training – including methods courses and clinical experiences. By sharing the responsibility of teaching the technology integration curriculum, faculty members and PK-12 mentors can support the necessary teaching, modeling, and support for candidates’ growth in teaching with technology across faculty members and PK12 mentor teachers, theoretical foundations for technology integration, effective teaching practices, and policy that is essential for candidates to develop self-efficacy for teaching with technology as they graduate.

Journal of Teacher Education Seeks Proposals on Generative AI 

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Journal of Teacher Education (JTE) is seeking proposals for a special issue on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Volume 76, issue three. Generative AI is an artificial intelligence model that can create new content, mimicking certain styles or patterns in existing data. While AI has been part of the educational landscape for an extended period, generative AI is a relative newcomer. As a consumer product, generative AI broke into the mainstream with the release of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in November 2022. Since then, educators have been grappling with its implications for learning in K-12 and, as a result, in teacher education. 

Advancing the conversation and the knowledge base around generative AI in education aligns with AACTE’s position to advance the quality of Educator preparation and enhance the educational experience for all students. 

In Pennsylvania: $1.5 Million In Grants To Grow Special Education Teacher Workforce 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced that $1.5 million in grant funding is available to help schools create learning opportunities that will bolster the Commonwealth’s next generation of special educators. 

“The Shapiro Administration is laser-focused on growing and expanding the Commonwealth’s educator workforce, and we know that one of the areas of greatest need is in the field of special education,” said Secretary of Education Khalid N. Mumin, Ed.D. “This grant funding will complement the efforts we have already undertaken to create a pipeline of high-quality educators who can serve students from all walks of life and those with disabilities or different needs.”

U.S. Department of Education Releases Final Title IX Regulations, Providing Vital Protections Against Sex Discrimination 

For more than 50 years, Title IX has paved the way for tremendous strides in access to education for millions of students across the country. Every student deserves educational opportunity free from discrimination. That is why today the U.S. Department of Education (Department) released its Final Rule under Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. The final regulations promote educational equity and opportunity for students across the country as well as accountability and fairness, while empowering and supporting students and families. 

“For more than 50 years, Title IX has promised an equal opportunity to learn and thrive in our nation’s schools free from sex discrimination,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “These final regulations build on the legacy of Title IX by clarifying that all our nation’s students can access schools that are safe, welcoming, and respect their rights.”