AACTE Stands Firmly Against Administration’s Proposed Cuts to Education

(May 2, 2025, Washington, D.C.) — AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) expresses profound disappointment in the Trump Administration’s directives to defund educational grant programs.

The proposed budget plan collectively cuts $163 billion in non-defense programs. Out of that total, $12 billion from the Department of Education is at risk, including Teacher Quality Partnerships (TQP) grants and other educator preparation programs, as well as key college access and affordability programs such as TRIO, GEAR UP, and Work-Study. It also eliminates funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, AmeriCorps, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Endowment for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Humanities.

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.

This budget is a clear effort to instill inequalities and injustice in the American education experience. AACTE urges Congress to reject this destructive budget and protect funding that supports the educational experiences of all Americans. AACTE remains committed to advocating on Capitol Hill for its member institutions, the work of well-prepared educators, and every child in our country’s schools.

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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. Learn more at aacte.org.