On Tuesday November 1st, the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) hosted an informative virtual national Leadership Institute. Throughout the day, educators from all regions met in small groups to broaden their understanding of trending topics in education. Each session allowed AACTE members to learn about action taken in response to the current challenges in education.
The institute began with a welcome from the AACTE President, Dr. Lynn Gangone, who applauded the impactful work of the New Jersey affiliate (New Jersey Association Colleges of Teacher Education/NJACTE). Dr. Gangone also noted NJACTE’s role as a policy influencer in NJ. The impressive speaker lineup that followed addressed a myriad of educational problems as well as possible solutions. To balance the discussion, for example, a presentation focused on comparative data about the teacher shortage was immediately followed by presentations about “Grown Your Own” programs, apprenticeship programs, and federal funding that may be used to support these initiatives. Another presenter shared that Educator Preparation Programs may benefit from outreach to Departments of Labor, since these offices are specifically tasked with achieving workforce improvement. Many of the presenters provided references and resources to participants for future use.
The institute ended with a federal policy update that neatly aligned the presentations and conversations with AACTE goals in a way that inspired all to accept, amplify and alter the current challenges in education!
Brandi N. Warren, M.A.
NJACTE Executive Board