Virtual Town Hall: The “Big Bill’s” Impact on EPPs

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

Now that all the legislative maneuvering is over and the bill has been signed, it is time to take a step back and analyze what the final legislation means for educator preparation programs. AACTE reviewed provisions and dug into data and reports, and the result is that there are some good and bad surprises. Provisions that created great concerns in earlier versions of the bill were dropped and others that had been quietly added are likely to have a greater impact than initially understood. Join us for a deep dive into the elements of this massive legislation that are likely to have the biggest effect on your programs and students. Our goal is to help you understand — and plan for — the implications of this important piece of legislation.

Speakers:

Jacqueline King, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant, AACTE

Jacqueline King, Ph.D.is an independent consultant who works with K-12 and higher education leaders to improve student outcomes. King has had a long career in education, including 15 years at the American Council on Education (ACE). She is the author or co-author of numerous reports, articles, and book chapters on college readiness, student financing of higher education, access and persistence in postsecondary education, student demographic trends, educator preparation, philanthropic giving to colleges and universities, and trends in the leadership of higher education.

Michael Yudin
Principal, Raben

After more than two decades of advocating for equitable opportunities for educationally disadvantaged children and youth within the federal government, Michael K. Yudin helps Raben’s clients navigate the educational terrain through his role as principal in the Government Affairs practice. Before joining Raben, Michael worked on behalf of the Obama administration at the U.S. Department of Education, serving in several capacities, including assistant secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and as acting assistant secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education.

Karen McCarthy
Vice President of Public Policy and Federal Relations
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) 

Karen McCarthy serves as vice president of public policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), where she leads the association’s federal advocacy strategy and public policy initiatives. As NASFAA’s chief lobbyist and primary liaison to Congress and the U.S. Department of Education, Karen plays a central role in shaping national financial aid policy and legislative efforts. 

McCarthy has held multiple leadership roles within NASFAA, where she has overseen public policy development, regulatory analysis, research initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Her work has been instrumental in advancing federal student aid policy, simplifying the FAFSA process, and ensuring effective communication between policymakers and practitioners. 

Her background also includes direct institutional experience in financial aid administration at Boston University and Miami University of Ohio. With a strong foundation in student advising, regulatory compliance, and technical training, Karen brings a comprehensive understanding of both policy and practice to her work.