The NASDTEC Communicator for February 4, 2025

The NASDTEC Communicator, our organizational newsletter, is distributed twice monthly. Below you will find information on events, announcements, media releases, news items, other reports and events of interest to NASDTEC members. The newsletter is delivered via email and posted in the NASDTEC Online Community and mobile app. Some links contained below may require your NASDTEC member login.

Feel free to share this newsletter with colleagues and encourage them to join our distribution list at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Communicator. 

NASDTEC Calendar and Upcoming Events

Regional Meetings

Central Regional Meeting - February 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET

Southern Regional Meeting - February 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET

Northeast Regional Meeting - February 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET

Western Regional Meeting - March 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM ET

2025 NASDTEC Annual Conference

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming 96th NASDTEC Annual Conference, scheduled to take place from June 15-17, 2025, in charming Charlotte, North Carolina. This year's conference promises to be another enriching experience, bringing together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage in discussions that will continue to shape the future of teacher education.

Event Details:

About Charlotte:

Charlotte,  also known as the Queen City, is famous for its southern charm. Although you will find an abundance of eclectic offerings throughout the city, our conference will be located in the heart of entertainment, the arts, and nightlife. Charlotte is the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte FC (MLS), and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Charlotte cuisine is just as eclectic with southern, seafood, barbeque, and more!

Conference Highlights:

Venue: Omni Charlotte Hotel

The Omni Charlotte Hotel is a sleek, modern hotel in the Charlotte city center of Uptown. The hotel is within walking distance of shopping, dining, sports venues and museums. The Omni's rooftop pool and sun deck boast breath taking views of the city skyline.

Register now to secure your spot at the 96th NASDTEC Annual Conference in Charlotte!

We look forward to welcoming you to Charlotte for an inspiring and educational experience!

NASDTEC FORWARD FUND…Pay it Forward by Giving Back

Now in its sixth year, the NASDTEC Forward Fund was established by NASDTEC’s Executive Board as a way for members and their colleagues and communities to Pay It Forward By Giving Back to education. It’s initial priority is to support classroom teachers, especially those in under-represented groups and those who serve in high-need schools.

Let’s support another cohort of impressive classroom teachers from across the nation who will each receive $1,000 help their students and schools.

The honorees will join us at the 96th Annual Meeting in Charlotte, NC, June 15-17, 2025, to share their experiences and planned use of the funds.

Learn more about the former recipients’ initiatives here. Their stories certainly demonstrate the importance and impact of the Forward Fund, NASDTEC’s first philanthropic outreach.

Consider further supporting classroom teachers by giving to the 2025 NASDTEC Forward Fund

Our goal is to raise $6,000 by February 28, 2025.

Online donations are quick and easy using our secure credit card transactions. We welcome donations of all sizes and payment plans – whether it's a one-time gift, a monthly contribution or part of a matching gifts program. Consider designating your gift in honor or in memory of others.

Consider accepting one of the following challenge levels so we may recognize your commitment to giving back to a profession that has given each of us so much.

Consider Paying it Forward by Giving Back through the 
NASDTEC Forward Fund.

All donations are tax deductible, and a receipt is provided.

Join us for this engaging webinar to explore innovative approaches and emerging trends in alternative assessments aimed at supporting pathways to teacher licensure. The session will feature a discussion of multiple measures assessment trends and state-level options, using Oregon's Teacher Standards and Practices Commission as an example, along with an overview of standardized testing alternatives emerging nationwide. Attendees will gain valuable insights, practical options, and key information to support the exploration and implementation of alternative assessment strategies in their own states. Participants are encouraged to bring questions to foster a collaborative discussion and receive guidance on implementation efforts.

Join us for an engaging and informative Legislative Landscape Webinar, featuring Regional Directors Linnea Bradshaw (Northeast), Brendan O'Connor (Western), and Robert Hagerman (Southern), along with Central Region Member Shane Carter. This expert panel will discuss current key legislative developments impacting educator preparation, licensure, and discipline in their respective regions.

This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the bills shaping education policy across the country. Following the panel discussion, there will be an open Q&A session for members, offering a chance to ask questions, share updates on legislative activity in your state, and engage in collaborative dialogue with fellow members.

"Effectively Engaging with the Media and the Public" is a critical area for education leaders. The training is designed to help you learn how to keep both groups engaged and get your message out. During this six module training, you will develop communication skills, templates for crisis situations and learn how to build relationships with the media.

The "Effectively Engaging with the Media and the Public" training provides an opportunity for organizations to support those individuals whose responsibilities include conducting public meetings, being the spokesperson during a crisis, or being interviewed by the media.

The six module training includes:

The minimum time it takes to complete the course is approximately 3.5 - 4 hours. There are no assessments checks but participants are offered suggestions on developing communication plans, crisis plans and interview guides. 

The successful completion of this course is based on completing all six modules. A final certificate is provided as documentation of completion and further documentation can be confirmed through NASDTEC.

The cost of this four-hour training is $98 for NASDTEC Members and $149 for non-members, payable online.

What's Going On...New Release

Join us for the next episode of the NASDTEC podcast What's Going On...being released February 4, 2025.

In this episode, Dr. Lynn Hammonds, NASDTEC Legislative Update Coordinators gives and overview of legislative bills of interest that have been filed in various states this legislative session.

To subscribe to the What's Going On...podcast, simply search for NASDTEC in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

If your jurisdiction, district, EPP, or organization has a current initiative, new or ongoing, that you want to share with NASDTEC members, contact Jimmy Adams today.

The 2nd National Convening on Registered Apprenticeships in Teaching just ended! Were you not able to attend? Don't worry! NASDTEC members will be able to view presentations from the Convening in the NASDTEC Encore Series in a few weeks. 

Not a member? Use the button below to learn about joining. 

4th National Educator Shortage Summit
Use Promo Code NESS2025 to get $100 Discount on Registration

NASDTEC Mentoring Program Reboot!

I Want to Serve as a Mentor!

NASDTEC is bringing back the mentoring program! We are seeking experienced jurisdictional members to mentor new and incoming state directors. Matching will be based on geographic region, similarity of services, and jurisdictional characteristics/needs. Mentors will be provided with tools to guide their support of mentees. Click below if you are willing to lend your time and expertise as a mentor for at least one year.

I am a New State Director and I'd Like to have a Mentor!

Are you a new state director? Would you benefit from having a trusted, experienced colleague accessible to you during your transition into the role?

While the mentor-mentee relationship is informal, both parties should commit to meeting on a regular basis. When and how you meet will be established after matches are made and are jointly at the discretion of the mentor and mentee. Click below to be matched with an experienced NASDTEC mentor.

NASDTEC Executive Board Update

This is an update of the discussion and actions taken by the NASDTEC Executive Board during their recent meeting. This is an unofficial document intended to inform and update NASDTEC members on the work of the Executive Board. Minutes of all Board meetings may be accessed through the NASDTEC website once approved by the Board.

President Brian Devine welcomed everyone to the meeting, reported on his activities and recognized Scott Gordon, the new Chair of the Professional Practices Committee (PPC). 

Executive Director Jimmy Adams gave an update concerning the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact and addressed specific goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan including the work of the InTASC ad hoc review committee who is tasked with identifying where changes are needed, use of the NASDTEC Knowledge Base, the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (NCAEE) LEA and EPP recognition programs, the increase in the number of Associate Members over the past year, and the release of the “Effectively Engaging with the Media and the Public” Academy course.

The Regional Directors reported on the work in their respective regions with common themes of legislative sessions and trends, licensing fees, in-state and out-of-state educator preparation programs, grow your own programs and registered apprenticeships, pipeline concerns, licensing data systems, license types and requirements, and educator ethics. 

Scott Gordon, Chair of the PPC, reported that the PPC is planning the 2025 Professional Practices Institute (PPI). The Board was also presented with the evaluation results from the 2024 PPI.

Penney McRoy, Chair of the Professional Education Committee (PEC), spoke briefly about the 2nd National Convening on Registered Apprenticeships in Teaching which had just concluded. She shared that NASDTEC and the National Center for Grow Your Own will be hosting the 3rd National Convening on Registered Apprenticeships in Teaching in January 2026 in New Orleans. She also shared information concerning the next PEC Open Discussion Webinar scheduled for February 11, 2025. 

Lynn Hammonds, Operational Director for PESBA, updated the Board on the PESBA Winter Symposium which was held just prior to the 2nd National Convening. She shared that PESBA members had identified the following areas as their top interests for the 2024-2025 year with the first three areas addressed in focused sessions at the 2025 Winter Symposium: 1) The evolving nature of licensure assessment; 2) Policies and implementation of artificial intelligence; 3) Reading requirements for preparation and licensure; and 4) Teacher apprenticeships. 

Written reports for the NCAEE and the NASDTEC Forward Fund were submitted to the Board. The NCAEE is continuing their work on an Educator Ethics Recognition Program and releasing their new website in the coming weeks. The Board acknowledged that the giving level for the Forward Fund has not met the goal for the past four years and this year’s goal has not been met. 

Shavon Harris, NASDTEC Vice President and Annual Conference Planning Committee, gave an update on the 96th Annual Conference being held in Charlotte, North Carolina, from June 15-17, 2025. Sessions have been selected, and registration opens on February 1, 2025. 

In discussion items, Becky Pitkin gave an update on the status of the InTASC Standards ad hoc committee. They are continuing their work of reviewing the standards with the goal of presenting their findings at the June meeting of the Executive Board. 

Dr. Aimee Green-Webb, NASDTEC Development Coordinator, gave an update on the future conference evaluations and reporting.

In action items, the Board discussed the Jayne Meyer Leadership Award and the Clearinghouse expansion proposal but took no action on these items at the meeting. The Board did approve keeping the current Goals and Priorities as outlined in the NASDTEC Strategic Plan. This action follows the directions outlined in the NASDTEC Bylaws concerning the planning and development of the next biennium budget.

Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Executive Director

Come join us at the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission as our next agency Executive Director!

This exceptional role will be filled by an experienced leader in education who understands the system and individual supports needed to serve today’s diverse students and licensed education professionals. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall direction of the agency in supporting the Commission’s mission to ensure Oregon schools have access to well trained, effective and accountable education professionals so all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The agency serves Oregon through oversight and support of all Oregon educator preparation programs, licensing of education professionals, and investigating complaints to hold accountable educators who engage in misconduct. This is a full-time, executive service position located in Salem, Oregon.

The Executive Director of the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission directs the day-to-day operations of the agency, collaborating with sister agencies in Oregon and across the country. Key responsibilities include staff supervision, strategic planning, obtaining funding, program development, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The successful candidate will foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment, emphasizing strong communication, collaboration, and accountability.

The values that underpin the work of the Commission include inclusion, respect, and belonging in the workplace and how we support others; ethics and integrity in our leadership, and equal access to education and educational opportunities to strengthen and grow Oregon’s licensed educator workforce. If these values describe your leadership, even if you do not meet all of our “look fors”, we encourage you to apply.

The Executive Director is appointed by the seventeen-member Commission with approval of the Governor. Once appointed the person selected will serve at the pleasure of the Governor under the direct supervision of the Commission.

The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission is seeking an individual with the following:

Please visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application for the position. Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and include a current copy of your resume.

If you have questions about the job announcement, or how to apply, please contact the Executive Recruiter Kylen Stevens at: Kylen.stevens@das.oregon.gov | 503-400-5821

Gov. Murphy Wants to Require Free, Full-Day Kindergarten in NJ

NorthJersey.com | A new proposal that Gov. Phil Murphy floated in his State of the State address Tuesday could codify this practice into law by mandating free, full-day kindergarten in the state's 608 public and charter schools.

GA Gov. Kemp Proposes Additional $50 Million in School Safety Funds After Apalachee Shooting

WABE | In 2025, schools will be able to access a total of $158.9 million in safety grants, the governor announced at a press conference on the first day of the 2025 Georgia General Assembly.

WA Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson Unveils $4 Billion in Cuts Amid ‘very Significant Budget Shortfall’

The Spokesman-Review | Under the plan, K-12 education, community and technical colleges, public safety agencies and entitlement benefits delivered by state agencies would not be affected.

NM Legislative Education Study Committee Endorses Nine Proposals

SourceNM | Lawmakers on the Legislative Education Study Committee on Monday endorsed nine proposals geared at raising minimum teacher and school personnel salaries; establishing a STEM innovation network; and creating a universal basic income pilot program, among other initiatives.

NY Gov. Hochul Proposes Banning Cellphones in Schools Starting Next Fall

The Associated Press | The plan, which would require legislators’ approval, would take effect in the next academic year and force students to disconnect from their phones and other personal devices while at school, including in class, during lunch and in hallways.

What’s Likely to Be Included in VT Gov. Scott’s Education Reform Package?

VTDigger | The inaugural speech itself hinted at the major areas of proposed reform, including changing school district governance structures, increasing student-to-staff ratios, and reimagining Vermont’s education funding formula.

Need to Know More on NAEP Scores?

ECS | The latest Nation’s Report Card was released yesterday morning and offers critical data for state leaders to act on in this legislative session and beyond.

In this webinar presented by Education Commission of the States and the National Assessment Governing Board, you’ll learn about the state of fourth and eighth grade reading and math scores across the country following disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Register below to join The Nation’s Report Card Is In: Key Insights for State Leaders next Thursday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. MST/3 p.m. EST. 

The Nation’s Report Card Reading Panel

JHU Institute for Ed Policy | Join a panel of policymakers and researchers as they react to the just-released National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results in Reading.

Presented by the National Assessment Governing Board, in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy.

What accounts for our results? How could we do better for our children?

Panelists: 

There will be a Q&A session with an opportunity for you to post questions for the panelists. 

What 4 New Studies Say About How Districts Can Attract—and Retain—Teachers

Ed Week | New research provides clues about how to think more holistically about local teacher labor markets—and what factors might be enticing for teachers. Taken together, they suggest that district and school leaders should take into account teachers’ starting salaries, long-term financial goals, job flexibility, and families when designing teacher-staffing strategies.

These High Schoolers Are Suing for Better Schools. Can They Win?

Ed Week | During elementary school in Long Island, N.Y., Luisa Sanchez was thriving in a school full of English learners like herself. In particular, she excelled at math. But just before Sanchez entered 6th grade, she and her parents moved to rural Danville, Ky. Sanchez quickly realized that two American public schools could look vastly different. She was the only Hispanic student, and the only immigrant, in any of her classes. Instead of a dedicated classroom space for English learners, her school sent those students to the library for instruction.

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