Dr. Terry James, professor and chair of the Department of Leadership Studies, was honored recently as the 2012 recipient of the Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Member.
The ATE Distinguished Member exemplifies the best of teacher education in this nation, which includes outstanding contributions to the association; outstanding contributions to teacher education; and professional, academic, and ethical standards.
James is the first ATE member from Arkansas to receive the Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Member award.
“I am honored and humbled to be nominated and selected for this award. The Association of Teacher Educators has been my professional association of choice. My involvement with ATE has deepened my knowledge and understanding of teacher education, given me opportunities to contribute to my chosen profession at local, state, and national levels, and allowed me to benefit from the mentoring and expertise of the nation’s most outstanding teacher education practitioners and researchers,” he said.
“Hopefully, I have been able to pass forward some of the lessons learned to students and colleagues who will continue to advocate for strong teacher preparation as a key to our nation’s future,” James continued. “I am deeply appreciative for the support and opportunities that the University of Central Arkansas has provided me for the past two decades. I am equally appreciative for the contributions of others who helped make this journey possible: my family, teachers, professors, and colleagues who always supported me.”
James has been a dedicated member and leader of ATE for more than 40 years. Through his many contributions, James has engaged the membership in critical conversations addressing the challenges in education and helped orchestrate vital changes that have advanced ATE. He has served on governance committees, tasks forces, and research commissions. Plus, he has served as chair of many conference planning committees. James has served on the Board of Directors and as president of the association. Additionally, he has served as president of both the Tennessee and Arkansas ATE state units as well as the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators. Many new ATE members were recruited and/or mentored by James reflected by the strong membership represented by UCA faculty.
He joined the University of Central Arkansas in1991 and has served several faculty and administrative roles in the College of Education and Academic Affairs. In 2005, he became the founding chair of the Department of Leadership Studies.
