AACTE Announces CEO’s Plans to Retire 

(March 13, 2024, Washington, D.C.) – After seven years of committed service, Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D., CAE, president and CEO of AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) has announced her plans to retire later this year.  

AACTE is composed of higher education member institutions and programs that prepare the greatest number of professional educators in the United States and its territories, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and college faculty. 

Under Gangone’s leadership, AACTE has experienced significant growth and advancement, solidifying its position as the leading advocate for educator preparation programs nationwide. Gangone’s vision and strategic direction have been instrumental in shaping AACTE’s initiatives, programs, and advocacy efforts, contributing to the enhancement of teacher education across the United States and internationally. During her tenure, Gangone has navigated AACTE through accreditation and regulatory challenges and was crucial in revitalizing and strengthening the AACTE Holmes Program for scholars of color, nurturing state affiliate relations, and establishing the dean in residence position. She championed diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of the Association’s work and spearheaded the development of a new strategic plan to transform education for all learners. 

“Lynn’s legacy is one of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, guiding us through both challenges and opportunities with foresight and innovation,” said Marquita Grenot-Scheyer, Ph.D., chair of AACTE’s Board of Directors. “She fostered a culture of excellence — even amidst a pandemic and turbulence in the field of education. With Lynn at the helm, AACTE achieved numerous milestones and advancements in advocacy, bolstering our Association as the leading voice on educator preparation.”  

Gangone’s contributions extend beyond AACTE, as she has been a tireless advocate for the educator profession at large.  

“Serving AACTE has been the culmination of my life’s work dedicated to PK-12 and higher education. I am grateful that I have been able to lead an association that shares my belief in the work of education that undergirds this nation’s democracy, and democracies worldwide,” Gangone said. ” I chose to leave now knowing that the Association has a very strong foundation and reputation for its next leader to build upon.”  

Gangone will continue as president and CEO for the foreseeable future while the AACTE Executive Committee commences a search for her successor, who will build upon the organization’s momentum and continue its legacy of excellence. 

About AACTE  

Established in 1948, AACTE is the leading voice in educator preparation. AACTE’s member institutions and programs prepare the greatest number of professional educators in the United States and its territories, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and college faculty. These professional educators are prepared for careers in PK-12 classrooms, colleges and universities, state and governmental agencies, policy institutes, and non-profit organizations. The AACTE alliance of colleges and universities and educator preparation programs collaborates with members and partners to advance the field of education by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and engaging in research-based inquiry, advocacy, and innovative practice. Learn more at aacte.org.  

 

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