Idaho teacher-education alliance tells Senate committee colleges collaborate on literacy, retention and alternative pathways

Representatives of the Idaho Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (IACTE) told the Idaho Senate Education Committee on Jan. 22, 2025, that colleges and universities across the state are collaborating on teacher preparation, literacy instruction and programs designed to recruit and retain teachers in Idaho classrooms.

Bridal Blevins, identified in the committee record as dean of the College of Education at the University of Idaho and representing IACTE, said member institutions include the state's four-year public colleges and private providers and that they meet regularly to align training, assessments and clinical placements for future teachers. "We are a collection of representatives from Idaho's regionally accredited colleges and university with state approved educator preparation programs," Blevins said.

IACTE highlighted three goals: explain who IACTE is, describe educator-preparation work, and identify how the group can assist legislators. Members described multiple pathways into teaching,…