Co-Sponsors
This one-of-a-kind event brings together educator preparation leaders — including members, state association leaders, Holmes Scholars, students, deans, K-12 leaders, and faculty — to engage directly with federal policymakers and advocate for a stronger educator workforce.
Washington Week will take place June 1–3, 2026, at the Yours Truly Hotel in Washington, D.C. The conference program combines exciting keynote speakers with sessions tailored for NCTR and Deans for Impact members and AACTE members and students. It also includes a State Leaders Institute for AACTE-affiliated state organization leaders and dedicated policy meetings for Holmes Scholars and other students. All participants will engage in advocacy training, culminating with Day on the Hill visits to their congressional delegation.
Why your voice matters right now
AACTE recently released its Call to Action: Federal Support for Systemic Approaches for Educator Workforce Development and Design, outlining key policy proposals that will shape the future of the profession. At Washington Week 2026, you will be able to advocate for the paper’s priorities.
Who should attend?
- NCTR and Deans for Impact Members: Thanks to a new partnership among AACTE, NCTR, and Deans for Impact, members of all three organizations will come together at Washington Week to advocate on behalf of educator preparation.
- State Affiliate Leaders: The State Leaders Institute for officers of AACTE-affiliated state organizations will focus on current state policy issues affecting educator preparation, effective association leaders, and strategic coalition building.
- Holmes Scholars and Other Students: Programs for Holmes Scholars and other students include visiting key education leaders in their offices on Monday, June 1.
- K-12 Leaders: Building an effective educator workforce pipeline requires partnership with K-12 education leaders. K-12 leaders are encouraged to attend and advocate together with their higher education partners.
- Deans and Faculty: AACTE, NCTR, and Deans for Impact members and non-members alike will gain valuable insights to help navigate the public policy challenges facing educators, educator preparation programs, and students today.
Attendees who register by Wednesday, April 29, will have congressional meetings scheduled for them.
Events Registration 
Membership Directory 
Online Community 
Profile Manager 
Resource Library