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Dear ÃÈÃÃÉç members,

Last year, our organizations — ÃÈÃÃÉç, the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), and the Maryland Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) — came together to challenge the abrupt and unlawful cancellation of federal grants by the U.S. Department of Education that support educator preparation programs across the United States.

We brought this case on behalf of institutions, faculty, and innovative preparation programs, and the future educators they serve, who are essential to strengthening the educator workforce. These grants represent critical federal investments in partnerships among colleges and universities, school districts, and communities that are working to prepare highly effective educators — particularly in high-need subject areas and underserved communities.

From the outset, our goals were clear: to defend the programs and institutions that rely on these funds, to preserve essential supports for aspiring educators, and to ensure the federal government honors its commitments to the field. The litigation challenged the termination of this critical support and reinforced the importance of sustained federal investment in educator preparation.

After a favorable district court ruling, the grants were reinstated. Although that decision was later overturned on appeal, the litigation underscored the programs’ importance to developing the U.S. educator workforce and helped reinforce Congress’s commitment to funding them in FY2026. With the primary goals of the litigation achieved, we have decided to conclude the case.

As this legal chapter closes, our commitment to you and the future of educator preparation remains unwavering. ÃÈÃÃÉç has issued a federal , endorsed by over a dozen national education organizations, including NCTR, urging Congress to adopt a comprehensive plan for educator workforce development and design. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this Call as a roadmap for federal support of the educator workforce.

Together, we will continue advocating for strong, stable federal support for the programs and partnerships that prepare the next generation of educators. Your work remains central to addressing teacher shortages, strengthening preparation pathways, and ensuring that every learner has access to a well-prepared teacher.

We are proud to stand alongside you in this work and grateful for your continued leadership in advancing the educator workforce.

Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy
ÃÈÃÃÉç President and CEO

Kathlene Campbell
NCTR CEO

Laurie Mullen
MACTE President