Call for Proposals

Fall Meeting

Call for Proposals

We are pleased to invite submissions for presentation at the 2026 Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Educators (GACTE) Annual Conference. GACTE provides a forum for dialogue on issues related to professional education, promoting effective public policy, and enhancing and improving professional education programs at colleges for teacher education. The theme for 2026 is “Anchored in Excellence: Charting the Future of Educator Preparation.” The GACTE conference provides an opportunity to share ideas, research, policy, and best practices for teaching and leading. In the last few years, advocacy has taken a front seat among teachers and education leaders. Both in and outside of the classroom, teachers’ efforts should ensure that ALL students experience success in an equitable learning environment. GACTE welcomes proposals highlighting advocacy, teaching, and leading in P-12 and Higher Education classrooms incorporating ample opportunities for participation and engagement, and serving as springboards stimulating further discussion, dialogue, reflection, and action.

Call for Proposals

Proposal and Review Timelines

We invite submissions across 4 categories – policy, advocacy, research, and practice/application. Presenters are encouraged to consider the appropriate audience for the proposal. Proposals are due August 14, 2026.

Audience

We are seeking proposals with specific emphasis for the audience listed. Consider which audience your presentation is best suited. Consider identifying no more than two audiences for your presentation as we want to ensure presentations are specific for the targeted group(s).

  • Teacher Education
  • Education Leadership
  • Counseling Faculty
  • Field and Clinical Experience Directors
  • Education Assessment Personnel
  • Certification Officers
  • Teacher Candidates seeking initial certification

Conference Strands

  • Promoting student and teacher advocacy
  • Leadership
  • Literacy
  • Innovative Teaching Practices
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention
  • Innovative Field and Clinical Experiences related to conference theme

Proposal Process:

Each abstract is reviewed through a blind-reviewed process by the GACTE research committee. Not all submitted proposals may be invited to participate in the conference. Proposals that are accepted will be included in the conference-based inclusion of the following elements, alignment to conference theme and strands, and available space.

Proposal Format

Presenter(s)

Strands. (choose one that is most aligned)

  • Advocacy
  • Leadership
  • Literacy
  • Innovative Teaching Practices
  • Teacher Recruitment & Retention
  • Innovative Field and Clinical Experiences related to conference theme

Proposal Title

Proposal Objectives. Provide up to three participant learning objectives. 

Target Audience. (choose 1-2)

  • Teacher Education
  • Education Leadership
  • Counseling Faculty
  • Field and Clinical Experience Directors
  • Education Assessment Personnel
  • Certification Officers
  • Teacher Candidates seeking initial certification

Proposal Abstract (MAX 300 words). Abstract should be a summary of the presentation as it would appear in the conference program guide.

Proposal Review

Proposals will be scored on the following criteria:

  • Format: follows the format described in the Call for Proposals.
  • Theme: addresses the conference theme and selected strand.
  • Organization: provides a clear description of conference presentation.
  • Timeliness/Significance: addresses a critical issue and advances knowledge and practice in the profession
  • Participant outcomes: includes a clear description of participant outcomes and how they will be achieved.
  • Audience interaction: describes plans for an appropriate level of audience interaction for the session type.