Grounded in Purpose. Building for Impact.
2025 Annual Report
Leadership Voices
From The Board Chair
To the AACTE Community,
As we reflect on 2025, this year has underscored just how essential AACTE is to the future of educator preparation. In a time of uncertainty and transition, AACTE has been the steady force uniting our community — advocating for our profession, influencing national policy, and bringing together educators, scholars, and leaders who share a steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in education.
The Board of Directors has been fully engaged in guiding this work. We have strengthened our governance by welcoming new members through a more inclusive selection process, ensuring that AACTE's leadership reflects the breadth and diversity of our field. With a smaller Board, our governance is stronger, more focused, and more representative of the profession we serve. This year also reminded us that advocacy is at the heart of AACTE's mission. The Board worked in close partnership with AACTE leadership to support decisive action — most notably, authorizing litigation to challenge the unfair termination of critical federal grants. This bold step sent a clear message: AACTE will not stand by when the programs that sustain our members and students are threatened. Our collective voice matters — and it carries impact.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on advancing policies that strengthen educator preparation, defending academic freedom, and ensuring that every member institution has the tools and support needed to thrive. Together, we are building not just an association, but a movement—one grounded in purpose, powered by collaboration, and committed to shaping the future of our profession.
As we move into 2026, I am inspired by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to strengthen educator pipelines, champion research and innovation, and amplify the voices of those shaping the future of teaching. The challenges before us are real — but so is our collective resolve. AACTE's impact continues to grow because of you — our members, partners, and advocates — who embody the power of preparation, purpose, and progress.
With appreciation and optimism,
Anne Tapp Jaksa, Ph.D.
AACTE Board Chair (2025-26)
From the president & CEO
To the AACTE Community,
When I began this journey as your CEO one year ago, I knew we stood at a critical crossroads. The educational landscape was becoming increasingly complex, with mounting pressures on funding, visibility, and the perceived value of our profession. Yet, where some saw insurmountable challenges, I saw an incredible opportunity to reset, refocus, and reimagine what is possible for AACTE.
My first year has been defined by three words: Listening, Learning, and Leading —Together. From my visits to state affiliates across the nation to the deep conversations at our Strategic Partners Meetings, I have witnessed firsthand that community is our greatest strength. Your resilience and dedication have fueled my own. I have learned that leadership is not a solo endeavor; it is grounded in purpose and moves forward only through relationships.
While 2025 was a transition year, it was far from quiet. In conjunction with our strong Board of Directors, we took bold action. We filed a lawsuit to defend the profession against unfair federal grant terminations. We modernized our operations with a new three-year budget strategy. We hired a new Chief Financial Officer and are preparing to provide our members with more support and resources. We amplified our voice, ensuring that AACTE is not just reacting to the news cycle but shaping it.
As I reflect on this first year, I am proud to serve and honored to lead. But mostly, I am excited. We have stabilized the foundation. Now is the time to build.
With gratitude and resolve,
Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D.
AACTE President and CEO
A Year of Bold Action & Operational Reset
In 2025, AACTE moved confidently into its next chapter. We balanced the need for internal restructuring with the urgency of external advocacy. We did not back down from the fights that matter.
Legal Action
Legal Action
AACTE launched litigation to challenge federal grant terminations, securing critical funding from the Schusterman Foundation to support this effort
Academic Freedom
Academic Freedom
AACTE convened a committee of Board members and community members to launch a pivotal Academic Freedom Initiative to address the rising tide of censorship in education
Professional Status and Financial Aid
Professional Status and Financial Aid
AACTE is leading national advocacy efforts to ensure that education degrees are recognized as professional rather than solely graduate programs
Federal Policy Agenda
Federal Policy Agenda
We developed a forward-looking Federal Policy Roadmap to incubate changes in educator preparation and incentivize sustainable careers in education
Advocacy Accomplishments
Advocacy Accomplishments
Secured major federal policy wins to preserve educator preparation grants, protect student financial aid access, and advance professional recognition for education degrees.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic Partnerships
Convened biannual Strategic Partners Meetings to align with other industry leaders.
Federal Testimony on Screentime in Schools
"Technology overall can be a powerful tool for teaching and learning. But excessive screen use via smartphones is harming children's development, their mental health, and academic progress."
- Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D.
President and CEO, AACTE
Operating in Excellency
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New Leadership
Expanded leadership capacity with a new CFO, Chief Strategy Officer, and targeted hires in engagement, fundraising, and research. -
Strategic Operational Plan
Launched a three-year roadmap aligned to three priorities: amplifying AACTE's voice, ensuring financial sustainability, and deepening engagement — all measured by clear KPIs. -
Three-Year Rolling Budget
Shifted to a rolling three-year budget to increase financial stability, flexibility, and long-term strategic alignment. -
Data-Driven Value
We launched new data briefs and a member dashboard to deliver actionable insights.
Navigating Challenges with Transparency and Resolve
AACTE's 2025 fiscal year reflected both meaningful progress and significant challenges.
Grant Terminations & Budget Cuts
Grant Terminations & Budget Cuts
Federal grant terminations and nationwide higher education budget reductions created significant financial pressure for institutions and educator preparation programs.
Restricted Travel Funding
Restricted Travel Funding
Termination of key federal grant programs restricted travel funding for more than 300 members, impacting Annual Meeting attendance.
Shifting Political Climate
Shifting Political Climate
An increasingly hostile political and policy climate affected educator preparation and diversity initiatives.
Amid these headwinds, AACTE demonstrated resilience. Despite these challenges, the association received:
Our Impact At-A-Glance
Advocacy & Influence
Membership & Community
Engagement & Learning
Visibility & National Authority
Ranked 48 of 756
Looking Forward to 2026
As we move into 2026, AACTE is committed to building on the progress of the past year with a focus on leadership training, advancing research in educator preparation, and expanding resources for our members. We will enhance our professional development offerings with new leadership training modules, ensuring that our members are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
In addition, we will continue to prioritize cutting-edge research on educator preparation, providing our members with the latest insights and best practices. Our goal is to be the leading source of knowledge and innovation in the field. Finally, we are expanding our resource offerings to better support our members, from advocacy tools to digital learning platforms.
Together, we will continue to lead with vision and create a brighter future for educator preparation in 2026 and beyond.
