Montclair State University recently was honored with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Best Practice Award in Support of Diversity at the Association's 54th annual meeting in New York City.
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| David Imig, president of AACTE, presents Jennifer Robinson (left) of Curriculum and Teaching, director of the Teacher Education Advocacy Center, and Ada Beth Cutler, dean of Education and Human Services, with the AACTE Best Practice Award in Support of Diversity. |
The award recognizes individuals and institutions contributing to positive
practices that promote diversity in teacher education.
"We are honored to receive the Best Practice Award in Support of
Diversity," said President Susan A. Cole. "This prestigious
award recognizes educational programs that have infused diversity into
teacher education. At Montclair State, we are firmly committed to ensuring
that all our academic disciplines are inclusive, multicultural and open
to all. We know that a society is only as strong as it is inclusive, and
we are proud that our efforts have been recognized by AACTE."
The University's Center of Pedagogy is recognized as a leading institution
in the preparation of professional educators. The New Jersey Network for
Educational Renewal is the foundation for school-based educators' participation
in the Center and the vehicle for MSU's collaboration with 23 school districts
and more than 750 professional educators.
The Center brings together faculty from education, the arts and sciences,
and public schools to address ongoing teacher education and to promote
the center's vision of teachers as ethical decision-makers who embrace
the value of diversity and are committed to changing inequitable school
practices. This vision treats democratic practice, equity and social justice
as central themes of the teacher education program and deeply impacts
MSU, guiding and informing all aspects of the teacher education program.
Ada Beth Cutler, dean of Education and Human Services, accepted the award
on behalf of the University.
"The 750 AACTE member institutions nationally graduate approximately
90 percent of the nation's new teachers and other educators each year,"
she said. "To be honored by the Association that is at the forefront
of teacher education nationally is a true honor, and indicative of the
truly inclusive -- and caring -- nature of Montclair State University."
The Best Practice Award in Support of Diversity, sponsored by AACTE's
Committee on Multicultural Education, recognizes the infusion of diversity
throughout all components of a school, college and department of education
as critical to quality teacher education and professional development.
Specifically, the incorporation of issues related to culture, demographics,
ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic
status and exceptionalities in the education process are perceived as
important.
The AACTE is a national, voluntary association of colleges and universities
with undergraduate or graduate programs to prepare professional educators.