Kern Character Education Preconference

When:  Feb 23, 2023 from 08:30 AM to 02:15 PM (ET)

With support from the Kern Family Foundation, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) will host a one-day preconference on character formation for Deans, faculty and teacher educators of educator preparation programs. The preconference, to be held at AACTE’s 75th Annual Meeting, will provide professional learning to researchers and practitioners on building character attributes in teachers. The convening will also amplify evidence-based strategies, promote collaboration between institutions, and elevate successful educator preparation programs that are integrating character building in their curriculum and programs. 


Anticipated Sessions (subject to change): 

 Plenary: Exemplary Models of Character Formation in Education Preparation and Liberal Arts Programs 

  • Moderator:  

  • Carole Basile, Dean of ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University 

  • Panelists:  

  • Stanton Wortham, Dean, Boston College 

  • Meredith Critchfield, Dean, Grand Canyon University 

  • Deborah Boyd, Dean, Lipscomb University  

 

Promoting Character-Building in Pre-Service Teachers  

  • Aaron Popham, Dean & Academic Vice President, Western Governor’s University 

  • Carlyn Ludlow, Associate Director and Clinical Associate Professor, Arizona State University 

 

Character Education Legislation: How State Policies Can be a Catalyst for Change  

  • Brenda Mendiola, Associate Professor, The University of Alabama 

 

The Role of Teachers in Supporting the Development of Character in School-Age Students  

  • Melinda Bier, Co-Director, Center for Character and Citizenship, University of Missouri St. Louis  

  • Cristy Guleserian, Director of Principled Innovation, Arizona State University  

 

Character Education Initiatives in Rural Districts  

  • Jim McIntyre, Dean, Belmont University 

 

Keynote Speaker 

  • Liz Huntley, Co-Founder, Hope Institute


NOTE - Breakfast and lunch will be provided!