The contributions that community colleges make to teacher preparation are significant. They produce thousands of pre-service candidates every year who go on to finish their education degrees at colleges and universities, and even some community colleges now offer baccalaureate degrees in education. Particularly as the PK-12 student demographics continue to change so dramatically the very diverse community college student population (race, ethnicity, age, income and life experience) is an important source of potential teachers. And, with acute teacher shortages in rural and urban areas, community colleges, the majority of which are located in rural and urban areas, can help prepare students who will want to stay in their communities to teach.

AACTE is committed to building and strengthening the relationship between community colleges and AACTE members. Through workshops, meetings and papers, AACTE is emphasizing the particular importance of building strong teacher education articulation agreements between community colleges and colleges and universities.