Elon University Education Faculty Present at NCACTE Fall Forum

By Jennifer Strange

This article originally appeared on the Elon University News site and is reprinted with permission. 

Three faculty in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, Elon University presented at the North Carolina Association of Colleges and Teacher Education (NCACTE) 39th Annual Teacher Education Forum. In addition, one alumnae was recognized as a finalist for the North Carolina Student Teacher of the Year award.

The North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NCACTE) held the 39th Annual Teacher Education Forum on Thursday, September 23 through Saturday, Sept. 25. The theme of the virtual forum was “Rethink, Reshape, Reimagine, Revolutionize: Growing the Profession Post Pandemic.”

NJACTE Welcomes Its First African American President

By Amy R. Kline

The New Jersey Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (NJACTE) is proud to introduce Stacey Leftwich as its first African American president. Leftwich steps into this leadership role at a time when racial and ethnic inequities and other issues of social justice are in the news every day. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified these disparities, making this a truly historic and challenging moment for the field of educator preparation. It is also moment in which NJACTE is grateful and honored to have someone as remarkable as Leftwich serve as president.

Leftwich originally hails from Atlantic City, NJ and has spent the past five years as the executive director of the Office of Educator Support and Partnerships at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, where she previously held a faculty position for 18 years. Her educational background is testament to her longtime interest in education, as she holds a B.A. in Education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University – yes, she is a proud alum who works where she went to college!), an M.A. in Reading Education from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Reading Education from the State University of New York, at Albany.

Reimagining In-Person Learning

By Tammy L. Henderson

In this article, Tammy L. Henderson of Lamar University reflects on her experience as an attendee at the first session of the 2021 Leadership Academy Series held August 8. 

While Congress and the National Conference of State Legislators (Smalley, 2021) monitor and update the public on the impact, resources, and policies used to address COVID-19, administrators in educational institutions have their boots on the ground. During the first session of the virtual Leadership Academic Series, When We all Get Together Again: Returning to Campus with New Opportunities, administrators, the essential workers of learning, met to discuss, share, and identify innovations. When disclosing and reimagining ways to promote quality education, health, and overall well-being, participants shared the significance of following policies, negotiating ways to teach and touch base with students, negotiate pathways of safe, sound instructional delivery, and adhering to the requirements of state governors, the Centers for Disease Control, and their administrative leaders. My reflections around self-care and leading with compassion became more profound in my awareness while listening to others. I left the session with a renewed sense of energy and ideas to champion health, innovations in education, and administration innovations for contemporary times.

Member Spotlight: Kari Vogelgesang

By Meghan Grenda

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

Meet 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. 1. 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. 
         
         

We’ve Got You Covered with Extra Member-Only Savings

By Meghan Grenda

As a member of AACTE, you have access to exclusive, members-only discounts at Office Depot and OfficeMax. With your AACTE membership, you can save up to 75% off regular prices.

In addition to exclusive savings, members also have access to ($15, $25 and $50 off) coupons valid through October 4, 2021:

It’s Renewal Season at AACTE

By Meghan Grenda

As 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.

AACTE Invites Entries for 2022 Awards

By Linda Minor

The 2022 AACTE Awards Program is open for submissions. Do you know someone who or an institution that has made significant contributions to the field of educator preparation? To submit your nomination, visit AACTE’s online submission site. Winning entries will be decided by AACTE’s Programmatic Advisory Committees and recognized on stage at the 2022 Annual Meeting, March 4-6, in New Orleans, LA. 

Entries for the Outstanding Dissertation Award are due September 15. The due date for all other award submissions is October 8.

AACTE’s awards program has been recognizing member institutions’ exemplary programs as well as individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to education preparation for 25 years. For an overview of the 2021 award winners, see this press release.

For 2022, we invite nominations or applications for the following awards:

Member Spotlight: Shandra Claiborne-Payton

By Meghan Grenda

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 …

Position/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.

By Meghan Grenda

Mark 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

By Meghan Grenda

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)

AACTE Board Chair Introduces Connect360

By Robert Floden

Texas Woman’s Joins Program to Increase Diversity in Education

By Joshua Flanagan

The Texas Woman’s University College of Professional Education (COPE) has been selected to participate in the Holmes Program sponsored by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), which supports racially and ethnically diverse students pursuing graduate degrees in education.

TWU is the only woman-centric university participating in the program to date. Founded in 1991 for doctoral students, the AACTE Holmes Program provides students mentorship, peer support, and professional development opportunities.

“The college is proud to be part of the prestigious Holmes Scholars program,” COPE Dean Lisa Huffman said. “Our participation — with our program’s unique focus on underrepresented women — will allow us to provide support to doctoral students that ensures their success and builds the next generation of diverse leaders in education.”

Get Ready for Back-to-School Shopping with AACTE

By Meghan Grenda

Whether 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.

UCF Professor Retires After 52 Years in Education

By Carol Stinnett

This article originally appeared on the UCF Today and is reprinted with permission.

Martha Lue Stewart, the first Black woman promoted to the rank of professor at UCF, retired on August 7. (Photo by Amy Floyd)

If one word could encapsulate the journey that Martha Lue Stewart has had at UCF, it’s grateful. As the professor submitted grades for her final course last week and packed up the books, photos and other mementos in her office, she reminisced on countless stories.

As the first Black woman promoted to the rank of professor at UCF, Stewart has been instrumental in helping build a diverse and inclusive campus. Early on, she served as chair of the Diversity Programming Committee that organizes events like Diversity Week. Stewart was also actively involved in the Black Faculty and Staff Association, where she served as president from 1998–99. Her first service project with the association involved launching the university’s first Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

“I enjoyed having a place where I could meet other colleagues of color,” she says. “It felt like a family and that’s amazing.”

AACTE Announces Member Database Upgrade: New Password Required

By Meghan Grenda

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: