To Advance Schools, Colleges, and
Departments of Education and Their Programs
Deans, chairs, and directors of and within schools, colleges, and departments of
education (SCDEs) are the moving forces behind the improvement of teacher preparation
programs. Academy programs examine the serious challenges and exciting opportunities
facing SCDE leaders. The program recognizes that these leaders must understand issues,
devise change strategies, and implement plans that are relevant to their own
institutions.
To Advance the Education Profession
The Academy for Leadership Development fosters the belief that only through discussion,
debate, comparison, and sharing will the profession of education advance. With myriad
calls for reform--from legislatures, the public, and the watchful media--teacher
education leaders need to engage in common activities that unpack the major issues and
dilemmas facing educators today and develop viable responses.
To Advance the Careers of Education
Professionals
The Academy's programs are based on the belief that lifelong learning is essential to
career satisfaction and advancement. Equally important are forming and maintaining
vibrant relationships with trusted colleagues. The Academy stresses the importance of
colleagueship and fosters professional networks among participants. Its programs are
designed so that trust is established among participants, making career-long camaraderie
possible.
Academy Benefits
Participants in AACTE institutes Discover
their management style and preferences; Understand their roles; Learn how to
achieve their goals and objectives; Devise action plans; Expand their network of
peers sharing achievements, concerns, and problems; Study the major issues facing
the education profession; and Develop opportunities to work with a national
association.
Programs
The Academy provides opportunities to deans, chairs, and directors of and within SCDEs
to improve their leadership and administrative abilities. It encourages AACTE members to
be self-aware, to engage in critical examination of both institutional facts and
character. The Academy facilitates communication and exchange among leaders in SCDEs.
Institutes
A number of institutes are offered each year. Each examines an important issue or
problem confronting SCDE leaders in a comprehensive three- to four-day program. The New
Deans' Institute provides intensive training for the first 18 months of the deanship.
Other institutes explore topics such as faculty development, technology, and
collaboration.
Publications
A publication series offers viewpoints written by a variety of deans, chairs, and
directors about their experiences in various facets of leadership and administration.
The series' inaugural monograph, The Wizards of Odds, is a collection of reflections of
former deans as they consider the challenges they faced in the deanship and their
successes and failures in meeting them. Other monographs explore the need for good
public relations (The Role of Information Officers in Schools of Education), SCDE reform
in an inner-city context (Agents, Provocateurs: Reform-Minded Leaders for Schools of
Education), and redefining accountability for university faculty (Examining Scholarship:
A Case Study in Redefining the Role of the Professoriate).
Internet Discussion Group
Through professional networking, deans can build on one another's experiences to push
teacher education to new levels. To facilitate such networking, the Academy sponsors an
Internet-based discussion group, DeanTalk, a forum in which SCDE deans and others can
share knowledge and experiences, discussing the most pressing matters on their desk.
Academy Eligibility
Deans, chairs, and directors of and within
schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDEs) are welcome to participate in
all Academy institutes. SCDEs face pressure to change from many quarters, both internal
and external. The Academy recognizes the pivotal role deans, chairs, and directors play
in analyzing the issues involved and presenting them to faculty; motivating faculty,
staff, and students to accept the inevitability of change and providing the support they
need to take risks during the change process; and communicating about changes being
undertaken to external audiences, from the university central administration to the
public at large.
Academy programs are designed for SCDE
leaders who are responsible for the strategic planning and development of the teacher
preparation program. Recognizing that such responsibility is shared among deans, chairs,
and directors at any given institution, the Academy encourages members interested in a
particular institute to form a leadership team that is appropriate to the given topic. A
team discount is offered to foster this type of collaborative leadership.
It is important that participants be
present for the full program of each institute offered by the Academy. Any assignments
or readings provided as preparation for the program should be completed prior to arrival
at the institute. In recognition of the possibility that some discussions held during
institutes may rely on sensitive background information about specific institutions,
participants must agree to treat all discussions as confidential
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