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AACTE Preconference Sessions

AACTE 2026 preconferences offer extended learning experiences designed to provide focused, hands-on engagement with expert facilitators and peers who share your professional challenges and goals. In addition to gaining practical tools and resources, preconference attendees benefit from networking with colleagues from across the educator preparation field, building connections that continue well beyond the session.

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Extended Learning with AACTE

New this year are three AACTE 2026-sponsored preconference sessions that offer attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into critical topics before the Annual Meeting officially begins: Leadership, advocacy, and financial sustainability.

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m – Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

The New Deans Institute is designed for deans and associate deans in their first three years, as well as aspiring deans preparing for leadership roles. Participants will gain guidance on navigating early leadership challenges, engage in small-group problem-solving, and hear practical tips from experienced deans. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap and connections to a supportive professional network.

NOTE: Programming is open to all attendees, including Holmes alumni.

NOTE: Holmes alumni registering for this preconference will be invited to special alumni evening activities after the preconference concludes, including the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion and NAHSA Town Hall. There will be no additional fee to participate in these alumni-specific activities. Further logistics will be shared in a follow-up email with those who identify as Holmes alumni during the registration process.

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Led by experienced member advocates on the Advisory Committee on Government Relations & Advocacy, participants will learn about and practice essential techniques for effective advocacy, including power mapping, persuasive storytelling, and leveraging traditional and social media. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of AACTE’s Advocacy Workshop Toolkit so that they can share what they have learned and train their staff and/or students on effective advocacy.

NOTE: Programming is open to all attendees, including Holmes alumni, who prefer half-day programming.

NOTE: Holmes alumni registering for this preconference will be invited to special alumni evening activities after the preconference concludes, including the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion and NAHSA Town Hall. There will be no additional fee to participate in these alumni-specific activities. Further logistics will be shared in a follow-up email with those who identify as Holmes alumni during the registration process.

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

This preconference workshop is designed for educators who want to strengthen their capacity to secure external funding through well-crafted proposals to foundations and other funding entities. Through a combination of overviews, case studies, and practical tools, participants will learn the essential skills of successful proposal writing, including identifying funders, aligning institutional goals with funding priorities, and crafting compelling narratives and budgets.

NOTE: Programming is open to all attendees, including Holmes alumni, who prefer half-day programming.

NOTE: Holmes alumni registering for this preconference will be invited to special alumni evening activities after the preconference concludes, including the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion and NAHSA Town Hall. There will be no additional fee to participate in these alumni-specific activities. Further logistics will be shared in a follow-up email with those who identify as Holmes alumni during the registration process.

Additional Preconference Sessions

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – Friday, February 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

The Holmes Scholars Preconference is the signature national event of the AACTE Holmes Program, bringing together Scholars and coordinators for research, mentoring, leadership development, and networking. Required annually for all active Holmes Scholars, it is held in conjunction with the AACTE Annual Meeting and strengthens the community’s mission to build a pipeline of education leaders and scholars, reflecting the richness of America’s student population.

Highlights include research presentations, poster sessions, job talks, the Dissertation Funding Competition, and professional development workshops. The 2026 Preconference will also feature a career fair, mentor matching, and the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion.

If your designation as a Holmes Scholar at your institution has ended but you have not yet graduated, you remain eligible to attend the Holmes Scholars Preconference and submit a presentation proposal. Participation will require out-of-pocket or alternative funding. Register now and submit a proposal. Proposals are due October 31.

Visit the Holmes Scholars Preconference page. In addition, email holmes@aacte.org to notify AACTE that you are a non-graduated alumnus opting into the Scholars Preconference.

Submit a Proposal

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

The Diversified Teacher Workforce (DTW) Preconference convenes PK–20 practitioners, researchers, and community stakeholders committed to advancing equity and diversity in education. Since its inception in 2015, DTW has been dedicated to driving the national conversation on teacher diversification by:

 – Articulating why teacher diversification is critical.

 – Encouraging preparation programs to diversify candidate pools and sharing effective strategies.

 – Challenging institutions to address enduring barriers to access and equity.

 – Supporting candidates from underrepresented backgrounds as they enter and remain in the teaching workforce.

This year’s preconference will feature dynamic sessions covering these topics as well as effective advocacy and funding strategies to support this critical work.

NOTE: Programming is open to all attendees and is also the designated preconference for Holmes alumni.

NOTE: Holmes alumni registering for this preconference will be invited to special alumni evening activities after the preconference concludes, including the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion and NAHSA Town Hall. There will be no additional fee to participate in these alumni-specific activities. Further logistics will be shared in a follow-up email with those who identify as Holmes alumni during the registration process.

 Thursday, February 19, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

The conference will provide a platform to share strategies, insights, and best practices that will help shape the future of our institutions. We encourage educator preparation programs, faculty, and P-12 partners to submit proposals that align with this year’s theme and contribute to the collective effort of sustaining and advancing the mission of liberal arts education.

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Join the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP) for an engaging preconference, Connecting Community College Research, Policy, and Practice. This convening will highlight innovative approaches, research findings, policy developments, and promising practices that position community colleges as essential leaders in educator preparation.

Designed for P-12 teacher leaders, higher education professionals, and thought partners nationwide, the event provides a collaborative space to explore strategies and programs that are shaping the future of teacher education.

This preconference is a unique opportunity to connect with peers and experts, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives on advancing community college teacher education. Whether you are launching a new initiative or refining existing programs, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and practical strategies to support your goals.

1:00 p.m. – Welcome Remarks

1:20 p.m. – Current Research & Policy in Community College Teacher Education

2:00 p.m. – Session 1 (Choice of four breakout sessions)

3:00 p.m. – Break

3:15 p.m. – Session 2 (Choice of four breakout sessions)

4:15 p.m. – Structured Discussion: Preparing for AACTE Conference Sessions

5:00 p.m. – Closing

Speaker information coming soon

 Session Categories

Attendees may choose from sessions focused on:

· Research highlighting effective practices

· Policy developments

· Sustainable transfer partnerships with four-year institutions

· Innovations in educator preparation pathways

· Integrating technology and artificial intelligence