AACTE 2025 Annual Meeting Preconference Activities

Holmes 2025 Preconference
Wednesday, February 19, 4:00 p.m. – Friday, February 21, 12:30 p.m.
Join AACTE for the Holmes 2025 Preconference starting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21, as part of the AACTE 2025 Annual Meeting in Long Beach, CA. This event promises two full days of engaging content and activities specifically designed for Holmes Scholars.

Diversified Teacher Workforce (DTW) Preconference
Thursday, February 20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Since 2015, the Diversified Teacher Workforce (DTW) Preconference at the AACTE Annual Meeting has convened a dynamic group of national leaders from colleges and universities nationwide to explore innovative efforts to address racial and ethnic teacher diversity. For almost a decade, DTW has been committed to driving the national conversation around teacher diversification grounded by the following four major goals:

1. Articulate why teacher diversification is important
2. Encourage teacher preparation programs to diversify their teacher candidate pools and provide them with strategies to do so
3. Challenge educational institutions writ large to critically reflect on and address enduring barriers to access and equity for minoritized individuals across teacher pathways
4. Identify ways to encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the teaching workforce; and identify how the community can provide ongoing support as these teachers enter the workforce

2025 NACCTEP Preconference: Navigating Current Trends in Teacher Education
Thursday, February 20, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Join the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs for a collaborative preconference focused on advancing teacher education at community colleges. This event will cover:

1. Grow Your Own (GYO) Programs: Learn how to design and implement GYO programs to recruit and train local talent, particularly in underserved areas.
2. Registered Apprenticeships: Discover strategies for developing and managing Registered Apprenticeship programs within the community college system.
3. Bachelor’s Degree Development: Explore how to create bachelor’s programs that meet accreditation standards and prepare students for the evolving needs of modern classrooms.

The preconference also features lightning talks, breakout discussions, and structured sessions on key AACTE conference highlights. Join us for insights and strategies to elevate teacher preparation at community colleges.

1:20 p.m. – Welcome Remarks
1:20 p.m. – Student Speaker
1:50 p.m. – Lightning Talks
2:45 p.m. – Breakout Discussions
4:30 p.m. – Structured Discussion
5:00 p.m. – Closing

Holmes Scholars Career Fair
Thursday, February 20, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Hiring authorities at universities, colleges, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations seeking to recruit Holmes Scholars — soon to complete their doctoral or master’s degrees in education — are invited to explore this valuable opportunity.
Cost: Free for members and $100 for non-members.