Published June 17, 2014
Representatives from the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s School of Education,
along with ULM administrators, participated in the American Association of Colleges
for Teacher Education’s (AACTE) “Day on the Hill,” in Washington, D.C.
ULM’s delegation included Dr. Eric Pani, vice president for academic affairs; Dr.
Sandra Lemoine, dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences; Dr. Michael
Camille, associate dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences; Dr. Dorothy
Schween, director of the School of Education; and Dr. Brooke Keels, assessment coordinator
for the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences.
The ULM representatives visited with Senator Mary Landrieu, Senator David Vitter,
Congressman Vance McAllister, and other state representatives to share highlights
of ULM programs and to discuss relevant upcoming legislation.
“AACTE’s Day on the Hill provided our ULM delegation with a wonderful opportunity
to speak with Senators Landrieu and Vitter and Congressman McAllister about key federal
legislative proposals that impact educator preparation,” said Lemoine.
“We also had the opportunity to showcase ULM’s excellence and the good work the School
of Education is doing to prepare school personnel who serve our region and beyond.”
According to ACCTE, “Day on the Hill” provides AACTE members an opportunity to meet
with their representatives as well as the latest information on education policy from
Capitol Hill.
The event includes training and resources for members to conduct meetings with congressional
offices, where they can showcase their successful programs and advocate for relevant
legislation or funding.
“During this visit, we were able to raise awareness of the stellar performances of
our graduates, and to highlight the positive impact our programs have on education
Northeast Louisiana,” said Schween.
Keels said, “This was a great opportunity to share with our Senators and Congressman
that teacher education is a priority for ULM. It was interesting to see that the same
issues being dealt with at our university are the same issues that appear to be a
priority for our legislature.”
About AACTE:
The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education is a national alliance
of educator preparation programs dedicated to high-quality, evidence-based preparation
that assures educators are ready to teach all learners on day one.
Its over 800 member institutions represent public and private colleges and universities
in every state, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
AACTE seeks to lead the field in advocacy and capacity building by promoting innovation
and effective practices as critical to reforming educator preparation.
