Holmes Scholars® Program
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Learn More about Leveraging CORE by PeopleGrove: Streamlining Field Placements & Simplifying CAEP AccreditationThe Holmes Scholars® Program: Established in 1991
AACTE’s Holmes Scholars® Program originated from the Holmes Group, a consortium of major research universities formed in the 1980s to strengthen educator preparation and reaffirm the role of colleges of education as central to the mission of higher learning. These universities came together in response to growing concerns that teacher preparation was undervalued within academia, seeking to demonstrate that preparing excellent educators required both scholarly rigor and strong collaboration across disciplines.
Building on this foundation, the Holmes Partnership was established in 1996 to unite universities, school districts, and professional organizations around a shared goal: improving how educators are prepared, supported, and developed throughout their careers. The partnership emphasized innovation in teacher preparation, strong connections between schools and universities, and the continuous renewal of educational practice through research and collaboration.
One of the partnership’s cornerstone initiatives — the Holmes Scholars® Program — was created in 1991 to expand opportunities for talented graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in education. The program was inspired by the Trilogy Reports developed by the Holmes Group between 1986-1995, which outlined principles for strengthening teacher education and leadership. Through mentoring, professional development, policy initiation, and research engagement, the program helps build a strong pipeline of future faculty and education leaders who reflect the nation’s students and communities and meet all learners where they are.
The Holmes Scholars® Program has continued under the leadership of AACTE since 2010, and its participating member institutions. Together, we invest in scholars’ growth through academic support, leadership opportunities, and national programming that strengthens their persistence in higher education and impact across the education profession. With more than 1,000 alumni, Holmes Scholars now span the realm of education and social impact— as faculty, researchers, university provosts and presidents, state and local representatives, nonprofit leaders, P-12 educators, education agency professionals, advocates, and more.
Hear Their Stories
Holmes Scholars Celebrate 35 Years of Legacy and Leadership
Join the Holmes community in commemorating 35 years of impact, belonging, and excellence in educator preparation. The Holmes 35th Reunion in New Orleans will unite alumni, current Scholars, and supporters to honor the program’s legacy and invest in its future.
Participants can reconnect with peers, share stories through the “Once a Scholar, Always a Scholar” campaign, and explore new ways to mentor and support today’s Scholars. Proceeds from the celebration help fund current Scholars’ participation in AACTE’s 2026 national programming.
Stay engaged by updating your contact information, submitting a tribute, or sponsoring a Scholar to ensure the Holmes legacy continues to thrive.
Attention Holmes Scholars
Invitation to serve as a Co-Guest Editor alongside Editors of the Journal of Teacher Education for a Special Issue on International Teacher Education in Volume 78
Invitation to serve as a Co-Guest Editor alongside Editors of the Journal of Teacher Education for a Special Issue on International Teacher Education in Volume 78
2026-2026 JTE-Holmes Scholar Fellowship, Cohort 3
Deadline to Apply is April 7
The Journal of Teacher Education (JTE), the official journal of AACTE, has been a leading voice in the field of teacher preparation for over 77 years and is one of the most widely read professional journals in the field. JTE’s five peer-reviewed issues per volume year contain thematic and general interest articles as well as editorials and commentaries. Its content focuses on policy, practice, and research that contribute to teacher preparation as a field of inquiry along numerous themes, including accreditation, assessment and evaluation, extended programs, teacher educators, student teaching, and others. Learn more about JTE here.
Started in 2023, the JTE-Holmes Scholar Fellowship helps to ensure that the next generation of teacher education scholars are supported as they take on real-world publication demands in the professoriate role. Publication opportunities are vital for doctoral students as they build scholarly credentials, enhance career prospects, develop research and writing skills, contribute to the academic community, and establish professional networks that support their transition from student to independent researcher. The selected candidates will serve as co-guest editors and co-write an editorial or manuscript that will appear in JTE’s special issue on international teacher education in 2027. This opportunity is specifically for Holmes Scholars who would like to learn how to write and publish a piece of quality scholarship in a high-impact academic journal.
The JTE leadership team will accept applications until 5 p.m. (CST) on April 7
Qualifications:
The 2026-27 JTE-Holmes Scholar Fellowship is open to all Holmes Scholars who are in good academic standing and enrolled full-time in a doctoral program focused on teacher education. Therefore, all eligible Holmes Scholars are invited to apply for this mentoring opportunity with JTE. Each JTE Holmes Scholar in Cohort 3 is required to attend the AACTE 2027 Annual Meeting and present as part of the fellowship experience. To support this requirement, AACTE will provide complimentary registration for both the Holmes Preconference and AACTE 2027, three (3) nights of complimentary hotel accommodations, and a $250 stipend to offset travel or related expenses. Any additional costs associated with attendance will be the responsibility of the scholar or their Holmes institution, which should be covered through funds already budgeted for the scholar’s required participation in the annual Holmes Preconference.
How to apply:
Apply for the 2026-2027 JTE-Holmes Scholar Fellowship today. The application guides you through crafting your 500-word essay on your research interests and rationale for participating in the program and securing a letter of recommendation from your dissertation committee member or Holmes program administrator. Follow the instructions carefully to complete your application. Get started completing your application here. Email your questions to jte.aacte@tamu.edu.
Holmes Scholars 2026 Preconference
Wednesday, February 18 – Friday, February 20
The Holmes Preconference brought together Holmes Scholars and coordinators for research, mentoring, and networking. Required annually for all active Scholars, it strengthened leadership and advanced the mission of diversifying the education leadership pipeline.
Held in conjunction with the AACTE Annual Meeting, the Preconference provided master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral Scholars opportunities to present research, participate in mentoring, and build leadership skills through workshops and networking.
Highlights included research and poster sessions, academic job talks, the Dissertation Funding Competition, a career fair, mentor matching, and the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion. Coordinators also benefited from dedicated support sessions and peer networking opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the AACTE Holmes Scholars 2025 Research and Dissertation Retreat
Your enthusiasm, collaboration, and commitment to advancing research in educator preparation made this year’s retreat truly inspiring. Over two days, scholars, mentors, and speakers came together to share insights, strengthen dissertations, and build connections that will continue to shape the future of education.
Mission
Since 1991, the AACTE Holmes Scholars® Program has built a pipeline of education leaders and scholars, reflecting the richness of America’s student population. The program supports master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral students through mentorship, peer support, and professional development opportunities.
Impact at a Glance
Retention and Completion Success
of Holmes Scholars successfully complete their advanced degrees, a rate significantly higher than national averages
Mentorship and Professional Growth
of scholars report that the mentorship and professional development opportunities provided by the program contributed to their career advancement
Leadership Development
of Holmes Scholars go on to hold leadership positions in education, helping to diversify faculty and administration in higher education
The AACTE Holmes Scholars Program is proud to recognize D’Arion Johnston, a dynamic educator and doctoral candidate at the University of South Carolina, as the February 2026 Holmes Scholar of the Month.
Johnston, a second-year doctoral student in counselor education and supervision, is an emerging scholar-leader whose academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy embody the spirit of the Scholar of the Month recognition.
February 2026 AACTE Holmes Scholars Bulletin
Stay connected with the Holmes community through The Holmes Bulletin, AACTE’s newsletter highlighting scholar achievements, research, and upcoming opportunities.
Read more and stay engaged with the Holmes community.
Resources
Access helpful tools and information to support Holmes Scholars and participating institutions, along with guidance on how to join the Holmes Program and become part of the community.
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