Old Dominion University Dean to Win 2019 Award for Contributions to Teacher Education
February 08, 2019
Jane Bray, dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
By Betsy Hnath
The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) has announced Jane S. Bray, Ed.D., as the recipient of its 2019 Edward C. Pomeroy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education. Bray, dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studiesat Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., will be recognized formally with the award at the AACTE's 71st annual meeting Feb. 22-24 in Louisville, Ky.
Bray joined the AACTE Board of Directors in 2013 -the same year she arrived at Old Dominion University -as a representative of the Advisory Council for State Representatives (ACSR), a coalition of leaders from AACTE's state chapters. During her tenure on the AACTE Board, she was elected to the AACTE Executive Committee. She became chair of the AACTE Board in March 2016 and led the national search for the next president and chief executive officer. Bray chaired the national search committee while completing her normal responsibilities as board chair. This included leading interactions with the search committee and the AACTE Board of Directors, and managing the intricacies of a national search that included a wide range of individuals and constituents. Bray is being honored for her contributions to AACTE at a time of great significance for the association.
Bray's contributions to Old Dominion University are equally impressive.
For the past three years, the College has consistently ranked among the highest at the University for grant expenditures. The department of communication disorders and special education was the strongest in grant production in 2017.In 2018, the College moved into a new, state-of-the-art building with the 2renamed[MOU1] the Darden College of Education to the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies to better reflect the many well-established academic programs and new academic programs, including a master's degree in park, recreation and tourism studies; a stand-alone undergraduate sport management degree; and six graduate certificates to meet the needs of students interested in furthering their education.
She has expanded the Teacher in Residence (TIR) program, which prepares teachers to serve in critical shortage areas, including partnerships with Norfolk and Newport News public schools. Bray also has introduced the Mursion and Virtual Reality labs to help produce tech-savvy professionals and citizens.
"Dean Bray's work and advocacy for educator preparation at the local, state and national level has had a significant impact on Old Dominion University students and those striving to advance their career in the field of education," said Austin Agho, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "She is an example of exemplary leadership - an outstanding collaborator and educator. She is admired for her incredible work ethic and passion for the pursuit of excellence."
Bray, who has spent more than 30 years as an educator, is a leading expert in teacher education and educator preparation. She has been instrumental in Virginia's advocacy work for educator preparation, active in the state's VACTE and frequently represents educator preparation before commonwealth officials. She remains a staunch advocate for the AACTE state chapters nationwide. In addition, she has moderated important federal legislative briefings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and frequently serves as a spokeswoman for AACTE.
Named for AACTE's long-time executive director, the Pomeroy Award for recognizes either distinguished service to the educator-preparation community or the development and promotion of outstanding practices in educator preparation at the college, state or national level. Nominations come from AACTE membership and are reviewed by the group's Committee on Professional Preparation and Accountability.
"As the leading voice in educator preparation, AACTE represents teacher educators who sustain and advance our profession through innovation, high standards, and leadership. For 23 years, AACTE has honored the exceptional contributions of member institutions and individuals to our field," said Lynn M. Gangone, AACTE's president and chief executive officer."Dean Bray is an exemplary educator and leader within AACTE and other venues in educator preparation. Her integrity, capacity to effectively engage multiple constituencies and her leadership at Old Dominion University and within AACTE is deeply appreciated by many. Dr. Bray is well-deserving of the 2019 AACTE Pomeroy Award."
Based in Washington, D.C., AACTE is a national alliance of 800 colleges and universities with educator-preparation programs dedicated to high-quality, evidence-based preparation that assures educators are profession-ready as they enter the classroom. The AACTE awards program has been recognizing excellence since 1996 in both member institutions and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of educator preparation. By honoring notable programs and practices, professional accomplishments and scholarship, these awards encourage AACTE members to strengthen the profession through innovation, leadership and inquiry. Learn more at aacte.org.
