Holmes Program

The AACTE Holmes Program supports students who self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse and are pursuing graduate degrees in education at AACTE member institutions. Founded in 1991 for doctoral students, the Holmes Program now provides mentorship, peer support, and professional development opportunities at three levels:

• The AACTE Holmes Scholars Program supports doctoral and post-doctoral students. Learn more
• The AACTE Holmes Master’s Program supports master’s students at current Holmes institutions. Learn more

Boston University is piloting a Holmes Postdoctoral Program in Education and Human Development in which postdoctoral fellows will engage in a 2-year research and residency program, 2018-2020.

Learn more about the education-related careers and pathways pursued by Holmes students.

Participation in the Holmes Program is open to all AACTE member institutions; AACTE charges no additional fee to enroll. Sponsoring institutions are responsible for supporting their Holmes students according to the participation requirements. Nearly 40 institutions currently participate in the Holmes Program.

Learn more about the history and governance of the AACTE Holmes Program.

Call for Nominations 2021-2022 AACTE Holmes Council

Nominations will be accepted December 19, 2020 through January 15, 2021.

President: In this two-year term as president, you will be responsible for scheduling, convening, and presiding over all Council meetings. As president, you will represent the AACTE Holmes Scholars® and serve as a liaison between the Holmes Council and AACTE. As a spokesperson for the Holmes Council, you will also serve on the AACTE Holmes Program Advisory Committee and work collaboratively with AACTE and stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the Holmes Program. This position requires someone with effective communication skills, a high degree of professionalism, the ability to work well with others, and a solution-oriented mindset. 

Vice-President: In this two-year term as vice-president, you will assist the president in carrying out leadership activities and fulfilling other responsibilities as requested by AACTE, the president, and/or the Council. As vice-president, you will also serve as the chair of the Scholar of the Month Committee. Other responsibilities of this position include assuming the role of the president in the event that the they are unable to fulfill their duties, and providing orientation to the newly elected officer in this role. This position requires someone with effective communication skills, a high degree of professionalism, and a commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

Secretary: In this one-year term as secretary, you will ensure monthly Council meetings are scheduled. You will mostly communicate with the president and vice president, but you are likely to have ongoing contact with all Council members. This position requires effective oral and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, someone who is reliable and takes initiative. Meeting invitations and reminders, agendas, and minutes serve as the ongoing communication for all Council members.

Historian: In your one-term as historian, you will gather and review content, write stories, and assist AACTE  staff with the production process of The Holmes Bulletin, the Holmes Program monthly e-newsletter. An ideal candidate for this position will have strong writing skills, demonstrate attention to details, take initiative, and be extremely organized and committed to meeting deadlines. Since this position interfaces with AACTE staff in the production of the newsletter, nominees may be asked to provide a writing sample.

Sergeant at Arms: In this one-year term position, the Sergeant at Arms officiates and maintains appropriate conduct during meetings. This individual guides presiding officers and others to both stay focused with the project at hand, and ensure that all voices are heard and noted. This occurs by way of using Robert’s Rules of Order to regulate each Council meetings. Furthermore, this person advises members on the correct method of conducting business and procedures. This Council member annually assists in providing professional development to ensure members are in compliance with the parliamentary procedures. An ideal candidate for this position will be process-oriented and have good facilitation and organizational skills.

Research Coordinator: In this one-term position as Research Coordinator, you will have an opportunity to coordinate research endeavors of the Holmes community. Responsibilities will include coordinating scholarly presentations for the Dissertation & Research Retreat, the Holmes Preconference at AACTE’s Annual Meeting, and any other event deemed appropriate. This position requires some project management skills, including planning and executing tasks in phases, effective communication across stakeholder groups, and troubleshooting issues that arise.

Social Media Coordinator: In this one-term position as the social media coordinator, you will be responsible for managing the Holmes social media accounts and communicating useful information to participants via Facebook, Twitter, GroupMe, and Instagram platforms. You will also work closely with other members of the Holmes Council to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies in collaboration with the AACTE marketing team to amplify communications. An ideal candidate for this position is an individual with creativity, familiarity with digital marketing trends, and effective written communication skills.

General Alternate I: In this one-term position, the general alternate serves as a support to members of the Council, and assumes any vacant position (excluding the position of the president) in the event that a Council member is unable to complete his or her tenure. The general alternate(s) will have access to Council files and correspondence. This position requires adaptability and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.

General Alternate II: In this one-term position the general alternate serves as a support to members of the Council, and assumes any vacant position (excluding the position of the president) in the event that a Council member is unable to complete his or her tenure. The general alternate(s) will have access to Council files and correspondence. This position requires adaptability and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.

Master’s Representative: In this one-term position, the individual in this role will represent the interests of master’s students served by the AACTE Holmes Program. This individual will advocate for relevant mentorship, professional development and opportunities that master’s students need to thrive during and after the completion of their programs. An ideal candidate for this role will possess effective communication and advocacy skills, as well as an ability to work well as part of a team.

Thank you in advance for your interest in serving on the Holmes Council, and we look forward to receiving your application!

Staff Contact: Weadé James