College to Relaunch AACTE State Chapter
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Rio Salado College is helping shape the future of teacher preparation in Arizona through strong academic programs, professional leadership and a commitment to improving educator preparation.
One of the college’s latest steps is the planned relaunch of its American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) state chapter: the Arizona Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AZACTE). Rio is one of just two Arizona institutions that belong to AACTE, the leading national voice for educator preparation.
The state chapter will bring together educator preparation programs and partners from across Arizona to establish an effective voice at the state and national level on matters of policy related to educator preparation.
Rio’s leadership also extends beyond campus. Kimberly Tobey, Director of Rio Salado’s Educator Preparation Programs, was recently recognized by AACTE President and CEO Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy for her contributions to educator preparation and the teaching profession.
“As the leader of your state association, you have played a central role in elevating the importance of educator preparation and the educator workforce with state and community leaders,” Holcomb-McCoy wrote to Tobey.
Rio’s teacher preparation programs are also earning national recognition. In June, the college’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education received an A rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its preparation of future elementary teachers in reading instruction. The college previously received an A rating from the same council for mathematics. The recognition highlights Rio’s focus on preparing teachers to use effective, research-based instructional practices.
Faculty members are contributing to the profession at the state level, too. Dr. Jennifer Gresko, Faculty Chair for Educator Preparation Programs, recently served on committees focused on revising the Arizona State Professional Teaching Standards and advancing effective educator practices.
Together, these efforts reflect Rio Salado’s commitment to preparing highly skilled educators while helping shape the future of teaching in Arizona.