How to Talk About Academic Freedom

*This webinar will not be recorded, nor will AI tools/personal recordings be allowed

AACTE continues its Academic Freedom initiative with the webinar, How to Talk About Academic Freedom.

Why does academic freedom matter, and what risks arise when policymakers restrict what educators can teach? This members-only webinar will explore clear, effective ways to communicate the meaning and importance of academic freedom and why its preservation is essential to quality teaching and learning.

Participants are invited to submit questions in advance, during the registration process.

Moderator:

Roderick S. Lucero, Ph.D.
Executive Director for Educator Preparation Programs & Certification
Professor of Practice
Texas A&M University

Lucero brings 43 years of experience across PK–12, higher education, and national leadership. He is executive director for Educator Preparation at Texas A&M University, advancing innovative teacher preparation practices, and serves as President and CEO of the National Center for Clinical Practice in Educator Preparation. Previously, he was vice president at AACTE, championing high standards and the central role of clinical practice.

His academic journey began at the University of Denver with an undergraduate degree and teacher certification, followed by a master’s and principal licensure from the University of Colorado, and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University. These experiences shaped his commitment to PK–12–higher education partnerships. Throughout his career, Lucero has emphasized collaboration and purposeful dialogue to prepare educators for an evolving world. His sustained focus on clinical practice and partnerships reflects his belief that strong bridges between systems are essential for advancing the profession.

Speakers:

Terrance McNeil, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Tennessee State University
Holmes Scholar, Alumnus

Terrance McNeil is a tenured associate professor in the Department of Educational Practice and Leadership at Tennessee State University, where he serves as Program Coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership Ed.D. program. With over 20 years of experience, he is also a Faculty Innovation Fellow at Stanford University and has collaborated extensively with the National Science Foundation to promote STEM opportunities for underrepresented groups. In addition to being Chair of the AACTE HBCU Educator Preparation Program and Holmes Scholar Coordinator at TSU, he is chair of the Public Education Committee for the National Bar Association’s State and Local Government Section. Previously, he held the role of vice president of the Holmes Executive Council. In 2025, he was honored as the Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation for his significant contributions to education and mentorship.

Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Faculty and Staff Affairs
Interim Director, Office of Research and Collaborative Partnerships
Professor, Teacher Education
Wayne State University

Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D., is a professor of Teacher Education and Associate Dean of Faculty and Staff Affairs in the College of Education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. His research examines the cultural politics of difference in education with a focus on race, gender, and sexuality from historical, intersectional, and transnational frameworks. His publication record includes four books and over 40 articles and book chapters in prominent journals and academic presses. He has secured $3.7 million in external funding from federal, education, and philanthropic agencies supporting youth, curriculum, career-pipeline, and community development initiatives. Roland was recently elected vice president of Division B: Curriculum Studies (2026-29) in the American Educational Research Association. He previously served as president of the American Educational Studies Association and editor of the Educational Studies journal and was appointed by the Governor to the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.

Anne Tapp Jaksa, Ph.D.
Professor
Saginaw Valley State University
AACTE Board Chair

Anne Tapp Jaksa is a professor of Teacher Education at Saginaw Valley State University, teaching in both graduate and undergraduate programs in the College of Education. She currently serves as chair of the AACTE Board of Directors and is past chair of the AACTE Advisory Council of State Representatives (ACSR) Executive Committee. She previously served as ACSR Midwest Region representative and as president of the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). Tapp Jaksa is NASA JPL Education’s Educator in Residence and serves on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Board of Directors. She is also Director of Professional Development for the University of Michigan Center for Digital Curricula and codirector of the SVSU Center for Experience Research & Design. Her research interests include continuous improvement, STEM, and technology integration. A frequent national and international presenter, she has published widely and remains active as a board member and volunteer in educational communities, and as Director of the SVSU Center for Experience Research & Design. Her research interests include continuous improvement, STEM, and technology integration.