The Pacer

Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Campus News

UTM has many professors and deans that are completely devoted to the university and its students.

Dr. Mary L. Hall is a good example of one of these deans.

Hall is the dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and she was recently named to the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education's (AACTE) board of directors.

The AACTE is a national voluntary association of higher education institutions and other organizations and is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of preparation and continuing development for teachers and school leaders in order to enhance Pre K - 12 grade student learning. In other words, this organization is set up to make sure that potential teachers are prepared in the best way possible so that when they receive their education and begin to teach it is a valuable learning experience for children in PK-12th grade.

As a part of her three year term on the board of directors she will attend the annual meeting every January or February as well as attend another annual meeting that consists of just the board of directors. The meeting destination is on a five year rotation and takes place in either New Orleans, Washington D.C., San Diego, or New York. There is a fee for being a member of the organization. The amount of the fee is based on how many graduates there are in your teacher education program, from your institution. These are called program completers.

Hall also serves as the chair elect for the state representatives. The state representatives serve as a liaison between the state and the national organization. They also make sure that everything is carried out at the state level.

The fact that Hall serves on the Board of Directors for the AACTE puts the state of Tennessee in a good light as well as UTM.

"UT Martin is recognized at a national level," stated Hall. AACTE will be covering "issues that will garner national attention." An example of this is they will be reviewing the accreditation process.

Hall is very excited about being in a position where she can be directly involved in the decision making. These topics are things that she feels strongly about and is happy that she will be able to share her input on them.

Hall has been with UTM since the Fall of 2003 and even though she is in a position that takes a lot of time and effort she still teaches a Freshman Experience class in the fall. She feels that this allows her to stay close to the students.

UTM is extremely proud of Hall, as well as all of its employees who help the students of this university engage in the knowledge that will further their future careers.

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