Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies is thrilled to announce that Dean Roxanne Greitz Miller has been named an Impact Academy Fellow by the national nonprofit organization, Deans for Impact (DFI). Dean Miller joins a respected group of educational leaders recognized for their deep commitment to transforming and improving teacher preparation.

Educator preparation programs grapple with intricate challenges as they recruit and equip teachers capable of engaging all PK-12 students in rigorous, equitable, and affirming learning experiences. There is an ever-increasing need for leaders who can strengthen and diversify the education workforce. DFI addresses this need through its Impact Academy fellowship, which to date, has equipped more than 130 dean-level leaders with the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to prioritize instructional quality and establish more equitable teaching and learning systems.

Dean Miller is one of 24 leaders recognized in the fellowship’s eighth cohort. These fellows head both traditional and non-traditional educator-preparation programs across 25 states and the District of Columbia. Together, these institutions annually serve nearly 15,000 future teachers, 45% of whom identify as people of color.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Deans for Impact and to join a distinguished cohort of leaders who share my commitment to enhancing teacher preparation,” said Dean Miller. “This fellowship is not just an affirmation of my personal dedication, but it’s also a testament to the collective efforts of our team at Attallah College. We’re eager to continue driving progress in our field, focusing on equity and quality in education.”

Fellows in the program participated in a multi-day kickoff together in Texas in late June, which will be followed by monthly learning sessions, one-on-one coaching from seasoned leaders, and peer consultancies to address field-facing challenges in real time. At the end of the fellowship, the cohort will return to Texas in June 2024 to share their experiences and results.

“For the eighth year in a row, we welcome a diverse group of outstanding leaders to the Impact Academy who are steadfast in their commitment to ensuring all prekindergarten to 12th grade students have access to well-prepared teachers,” says Valerie Sakimura, executive director of DFI. “As communities respond to shortages of skilled educators, there is no more crucial time to ensure that we’re building pathways into teaching that are accessible, practice-based and focused on equitable instruction. Leaders in educator preparation play an essential role in charting the future of the teaching profession.”

To learn more about this year’s Impact Academy cohort, visit:
 https://deansforimpact.org/impact-academy-2023-cohort/