Research Report

Daring Leadership: Lessons Learned From Transforming Four Colleges of Education

Amber Thompson, Chander Lewis, Jahnette Wilson, Robert McPherson, Paula Calderon, Locord Wilson, Nadine Gilbert, and Robin Lock
August 2024 | US Prep

This report from US Prep provides insight on how preparation programs attached to institutions of higher education (IHE-based programs) can adapt to the changing needs of students, schools, and teachers by transforming programs into yearlong residency, practice-based, teacher preparation programs. The report highlights four IHE-based educator preparation programs: Jackson State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston. Program leaders highlighted several challenges facing programs, notably declining enrollment and broader shifts in university priorities. The report offers several “problems of practice,” which leaders can use to guide change. These practices include assessing the capacity of a program and its current leadership structure, building support across a range of stakeholders through active and two-way communication, creating productive partnerships with K–12 school districts, modifying university policies and practices to support changing priorities, and leveraging external forces and allies. With best practices clearly outlined by deans and administrators, this resource is best suited for deans and leaders at IHE-based educator preparation programs.