AACTE Expresses Disappointment in Administration’s Decision to Cut Funding for Education Research and Training

(Feb. 13, 2025, Washington, D.C.) — AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) expresses profound disappointment in the Administration’s decision to terminate and discontinue work on several funding sources for education research and practice.

The decision undermines efforts to ensure that U.S. schools and communities have highly trained, well-qualified educators in the classroom, which is essential for student success. The programs affected, Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP), Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED), and the various grants funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) are critical to advancing our understanding of effective educator preparation models as well as understanding best practices for ensuring student learning.

High-quality teacher preparation is a cornerstone of a strong education system, and rigorous research and effective practice are essential to continuously improve and refine educator preparation programs. Eliminating funding for this vital work threatens student success, weakens community education systems, and undermines the nation’s long-term educational progress.

Additionally, the Administration’s cancelation of nearly $1.25 billion in IES contracts impacts the development and accessibility of research that improves higher education and provides publicly accessible data on U.S. postsecondary institutions. Research and evaluation in educator preparation is crucial for identifying the most effective teaching methodologies and ensuring teachers are ready to meet the diverse needs of students. Without sufficient funding for IES research projects, for instance, our member institutions’ capabilities to evaluate and enhance teacher training programs will be significantly compromised, resulting in long-term effects on student achievement and the development of the teaching workforce.

AACTE urges the administration and policymakers to reconsider this decision and restore funding for education research and practice. The future of our students depends on policies that support—not weaken—the foundation of effective teaching and learning. We remain committed to advocating for the resources necessary to prepare highly qualified educators, and we remain committed to upholding the quality of our education systems.