2026 Pre-Conference

#NACCTEP26

NACCTEP is once again holding a Pre-Conference ahead of the AACTE Annual Meeting this coming February in New Orleans, LA. 

 

Connecting Community College Teacher Education Research, Policy, and Practice
February 19, 2026 | New Orleans, LA

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The National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP) is pleased to host its annual pre-conference event, "Community College Teacher Education Research, Policy, and Practice," on February 19, 2026 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM, the day before the AACTE Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA. This convening highlights innovative approaches, research findings, policy developments, and promising practices that elevate community colleges as essential contributors to educator preparation.

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We are excited to share that the session topics for the 2026 NACCTEP Pre-Conference are now live, and this year’s lineup reflects the momentum, innovation, and leadership that continue to define our NACCTEP community nationwide.

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From policy shifts and registered apprenticeships to rural workforce strategies, equity-centered pathways, and evidence-based preparation tools, this year’s sessions highlight how community colleges and their partners are actively shaping the future of the educator workforce.

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2026 NACCTEP Pre-Conference Session Topics

 

Strengthening Rural & Place-Based Teacher Pathways

Helena College

Building community partnerships, student connection, and “gift-economy” approaches that sustain local educator pipelines.

 

 

Stronger Together — Building Applied Bachelor’s Networks

Pierce College

A statewide BAS-TE collaboration model focused on problem-solving, shared learning, and scaling pathways.

 

 

Pathways That Deliver — Community Colleges Leading Policy Change

Deans for Impact & Dallas College

How community colleges can elevate their influence and leadership in state and national education policy.

 

 

Developing and Scaling K–12 Teacher Apprenticeships

Dallas College – CREW

Texas’s policy-supported framework for building regional apprenticeship hubs rooted in community needs.

 

 

Holding the Light — Advancing Equity and Access in Teacher Preparation

Santa Ana College

Diversifying the teaching workforce through equity-driven pathways and inclusive student supports.

 

 

Local Roots, Statewide Impact — A Braided Approach to Teacher Education Reform

Oregon BASE Consortium

Policy-aligned, community-anchored bachelor’s degree pathways designed to meet regional workforce priorities.

 

Interactive Roundtables

 

Revitalizing Field Supervision - Building Stronger Systems for Stronger Candidates

Lone Star College

Transforming supervision from compliance to coaching through collaborative, equity-centered systems.

 

 

Using IRIS Resources to Enhance Course and Clinical Experiences

Vanderbilt University’s IRIS Center

Ready-to-implement tools for classroom management, UDL, and evidence-based instruction.

 

 

Shifts to Build a Sustainable Education Workforce Using Personas

AASPA & University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Leveraging educator personas to address preparation, retention, and national workforce challenges.

 

 

Bridging Policy and Preparation - The Future of Aspiring Educators in Texas

Lone Star College

Exploring how changing state policies are reshaping preparation programs—and how programs can align quality, equity, and workforce needs.

 

This year’s program truly reflects the collective innovation, collaboration, and leadership emerging from across our NACCTEP network. We cannot wait to bring everyone together in New Orleans to share insights, build relationships, and keep advancing what’s possible for community-college-based teacher preparation.

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We hope you’ll join us for a day designed to connect, inspire, and shape what’s next for the educator workforce.