March 23, 2025

SVSU professor tapped to chair national association

Anne Tapp Jaksa, a dedicated professor of teacher education at Saginaw Valley State University, has been selected to chair of the board of directors of AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) for 2025-26. She has served on the organization’s board since 2021 and is a past chair of the AACTE’s Advisory Council of State Representatives and a past Midwest Region Representative.

In her role as board chair, Jaksa will share responsibility for prioritizing AACTE’s commitment to advancing educator preparation with Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, AACTE president and CEO. AACTE represents over 800 postsecondary institutions, offering programs and resources to enhance the quality of teacher preparation and continuing professional development.

“Anne is a dedicated advocate for teacher education, a respected, and a leader who has consistently championed inclusion and innovation in our field. Her passion and expertise will be invaluable as we continue our mission to advance educator preparation and address the pressing challenges in education today,” Holcomb-McCoy said.

Tapp Jaksa’s commitment to education is reflected in her professional activities. In addition to her teaching role at SVSU, she is also the co-director of SVSU’s Center for Experience, Research & Design and Usability Research Team. In addition, Tapp Jaksa serves as educator in residence at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and as director of professional development for the University of Michigan Center for Digital Curricula. She also serves on board of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

“Stepping into the role of chair of the AACTE Board of Directors is both an honor and a promise to uphold the values that enhance the educational experience for our nation’s learners. Comprehensive educator preparation has made a profound impact in our nation’s classrooms in the 21st century, and now, more than ever, AACTE’s community of education preparation programs must come together to drive innovation and continue to modernize how we prepare educators. I am eager to lead and collaborate with the board to strengthen our collective efforts in shaping a workforce that is equipped to meet the evolving needs of PK-12 students.” 
Tapp Jaksa joined SVSU in 2002. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from Wayne State University.