Our Documents

• To provide member institutions with the means for continuous exchange of ideas, information, and experiences affecting teacher education and the performance of professional educators in the field.
• To assist and cooperate with administrators of institutions preparing teachers, district school boards, and professional associations in their leadership roles to improve preservice and inservice programs for teachers.
• To stimulate experimentation and research in the broad field of teacher education and to disseminate information and reports that have significance for the improvement of professional educators.
• To represent the professional education of school personnel before all appropriate state agencies, as well as the general population on matters pertaining to the preparation of teachers and other professionals and paraprofessionals serving in the schools.
• To propose recommendations, regulations, and legislation pertaining to teacher education to the State Department of Education, the Legislature, and other regulatory and advisory bodies.
• To affiliate, when deemed desirable to further the objectives of the Association, with regional and national associations of similar purpose.
• To assist the State Department of Education and accrediting agencies in the evaluation of programs involving the professional education of teachers.
• To exchange reports, experiences and ideas with educators of professional personnel in other states and countries as a means of strengthening programs in teacher education and to further national and international understanding. To uphold quality teacher-education standards in institutions engaged in the preparation of school personnel.
• To establish an effective communication system between the national AACTE and the FACTE.
• To provide a vehicle for teacher education institutions within Florida to assist AACTE in: Developing and defining positions on issues of importance to teacher education; Coalescing support for national policy and activity; and Supporting the programs and activities of the state association.

• To provide member institutions with the means for continuous exchange of ideas, information, and experiences affecting educator preparation and the performance of professional educators in the field.
• To assist and cooperate with administrators of institutions preparing teachers, district school boards, and professional associations in their leadership roles to improve pre-service and in-service programs for teachers and other professional educators.
• To stimulate experimentation and research in the broad field of educator preparation and to disseminate information and reports that have significance for the improvement of professional educators.
• To represent the professional education of school personnel before all appropriate state agencies, as well as the general population, on matters pertaining to the preparation of teachers and other professionals and paraprofessionals serving in the schools.
• To propose recommendations, regulations, and legislation pertaining to educator preparation to the State Department of Education, the Legislature, and other regulatory and advisory bodies.
• To assist the State Department of Education and accrediting agencies in the evaluation of programs involving the professional education of teachers. To exchange reports, experiences and ideas with educators of professional personnel in other states and countries as a means of strengthening programs in educator preparation and to further national and international understanding.
• To uphold quality teacher education and professional preparation standards in institutions engaged in the preparation of school personnel.
• To establish an effective communication system between the AACTE and FACTE.
• To provide a vehicle for teacher education institutions within Florida to assist the AACTE in:
Developing and defining positions on issues of importance to teacher education.
Coalescing support for national policy and activity.
Supporting the programs and activities of the state association.

Article IV—Membership
All regionally accredited colleges and universities in Florida engaged in educator preparation and that have state program approval are eligible for regular membership. Functions of regular membership will be exercised by representatives as provided in the bylaws. Only representatives of AACTE member institutions shall vote on national issues pertaining to the operation of AACTE. Affiliate membership shall be granted to regionally accredited colleges and universities in the State of Florida that offer the lower division prerequisite courses in education required for admission to state-approved programs in educator preparation and school districts that have state-approved preparation programs, including leadership programs. Affiliate member representatives shall be invited to attend and participate in all meetings, as well as share in all communications and activities, but will not have voting rights related to association business.

Article V – Officers
The officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice-President (President Elect), a Secretary, and a Treasurer to be elected as provided in the bylaws.

Article VI – Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall be made up of the four officers of the Association and the immediate past president, as well as the standing committee chairs.

Article – VII – Meetings
The Association shall meet semi-annually, preferably in the fall and spring, at sites to be announced by the Executive Committee well in advance of the scheduled meetings. Additional meetings may be called by the Executive Committee at its discretion or on request of one-half of the membership.

Article VIII – Rules of Procedure
The deliberations of the Association shall be conducted in accordance with the parliamentary procedures set forth in the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Article IX – Non-Profit Status
The Association is not organized for profit and no part of its funds shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.

Article X – Affiliation

The Association shall be affiliated with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in accordance with the following policies approved by the national Board of Directors:
For purposes of obtaining affiliation, the state unit membership shall include at least 60 percent of the AACTE member institutions in the state. Continuance of affiliation shall be contingent upon: Maintenance of a membership of at least 60 percent of the AACTE member institutions in the state. Submission to the national Board of Directors of an annual state activity report to include a review of programs and fiscal activities and a certification of membership within the state unit. Biennial review by the AACTE Board of Directors. Adoption and maintenance of a state constitution and state bylaws consistent with the nationally approved models of same. AACTE and FACTE collaborate to strengthen their advocacy efforts, share experience and expertise, and expand their members’ professional development opportunities. To this end, our Chapter’s relationship with AACTE is a voluntary affiliation that allows us to advance our members’ interests.

Article XI – Amendments
Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee. If approved by the Executive Committee by a majority vote, the proposed amendments are to be circulated among all regular member institutions at least two weeks before the meeting in which action is scheduled to be taken. If the vote is taken by electronic means, the proposed amendment must be circulated at least two weeks before the voting deadline. A two-thirds majority of all principal representatives and approval by the AACTE Board of Directors are necessary for acceptance. New bylaws, amendments to existing bylaws or amendments to the constitution must be presented in writing to the Executive Committee. If approved by the Executive Committee by a majority vote, the proposed changes are to be presented to the full membership where a two-thirds majority of principal representatives will be required for their acceptance along with approval by the AACTE Board of Directors.

Revisions approved by membership April 8, 2022.

Article I – Membership
Eligible institutions in Florida that have regional accreditation and have state-approved programs in educator preparation and districts that have a state-approved preparation program may petition the Association for regular or affiliate membership, as appropriate. A letter or email of request for membership addressing the membership qualifications must be submitted to the Executive Committee. A majority vote of all Principal Representatives is required for acceptance of new members.

Article II – Representatives
Principal Representative (PR). Each regular member institution will have identified a Principal Representative whose function is ordinarily leader and decision-maker for educator preparation programs. The PR will have all voting and proxy rights, receive dues information, and be responsible for designating institutional representatives. A PR will have full access to the Members Only area of the association website and receive all notifications of programs and events.

Principal Representative-Affiliate (PRA). Each affiliate member institution will have identified a Principal Representative whose function is ordinarily leader and decision-maker for educator preparation programs. A PRA will have full access to the Members Only area of the association website and receive all notifications of programs and events.

Institutional Representative (IR). Each regular member institution is allotted up to 10 institutional representatives who are regular active participants in association meetings and events. An IR may be designated by the Principal Representative to serve as the voting representative at meetings. An IR will have full access to the Members Only area of the association website and receive notifications of programs and events.

Faculty/Staff (FS). Active faculty and staff at regular and affiliate member institutions may be identified as members who periodically participate in association meetings and events. A FS will receive notification of certain programs and events.

Article III – Voting Procedures
Section 1. Each regular member institution is entitled to one vote on all matters brought before the Association, with the exception that on national issues related to the operation of AACTE, only representatives of AACTE member institutions shall vote. Affiliate member representatives do not have voting rights.

Section 2. If the Principal Representative is unable to attend a meeting of the Association, s/he may designate an Institutional Representative to serve in his/her place at this meeting. This person will have the same voting privileges as the Principal Representative.

Section 3. Where official action by the full Association is deemed necessary between meetings, votes may be taken by electronic means.

Article IV – Officers
Section 1. Candidates for President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be selected by a nominations committee comprised of one individual each from a SUS institution, an ICUF institution and an FSC institution.

Section 2. The position of President, President-Elect, and Past President will rotate among SUS, ICUF, and FSC institutions. Eligible candidates may be either Principal or Institutional Representatives.

Section 3. The terms of these offices will be for two years, except in cases as indicated herein in Section 6.

Section 4. The election of officers and the installation of new officers will ordinarily take place at the spring meeting of the Association during the academic year in even numbered years.

Section 5. FACTE shall participate in AACTE’s Advisory Council of State Representatives (“ACSR”) and shall designate the Chapter President or another officer of the Chapter to serve as the Chapter’s liaison to ACSR. The institution of the Chapter’s liaison to ACSR is not required to be a member of AACTE, but non-members are not eligible to AACTE member discounted pricing, including for events at which ACSR may meet, and may not have access to other AACTE member services and benefits. AACTE may grant access to member services and benefits if it deems them necessary for participation in ACSR. In those years when the presidency is filled by a representative of an institution which is not a member of AACTE, an AACTE institutional representative will be designated as liaison person for the year.

Section 6. The Executive Committee may remove any officer or committee chair by two-thirds vote at any regular or special meeting of the Executive Committee as follows: 1) for cause, with a statement for the reason or reasons provided that a statement of the reason or reasons shall have been provided to the individual being recommended for removal, or 2) no longer eligible to serve based on the membership requirements herein. Notification should be made10 business days in advance of the vote. The individual being considered for removal shall be given the opportunity to be heard and the matter considered by the Executive Committee at the time and place mentioned in the statement of reason(s) provided.

Section 7. If a vacancy occurs in any of the offices or on the Executive Committee, an eligible member is to be elected for the unexpired term by the Association at its next meeting.

Article V – Duties of Officers
Section 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and the Association. He or she will be responsible for the agenda at the meetings of the Executive Committee, appoint committees to facilitate achieving the objectives of the Association, and serve as official spokesman for the Association in actions taken by it and/or the Executive Committee. The immediate Past President will continue to serve on the Executive Committee, if eligible, as determined by the bylaws.

Section 2. The President-Elect shall serve as Chair of the official meetings of the Association during his/her tenure in this office. As such, s/he will be responsible for creating the agenda and securing any guest speakers well in advance of the meeting. He or she will succeed to the Presidency if for any reason the President is no longer able to fulfill the duties of the office.

Section 3. The Secretary, who will be a member of the Executive Committee, is responsible for keeping minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee and the Association, and for overseeing the records of the Association.

Section 4. The Treasurer will be responsible for the collection of dues and the disbursement of funds. The Treasurer will prepare an annual operating budget to be presented for approval by the Executive Committee. All disbursements of funds will be completed based on the approved budget. The Treasurer will prepare a financial report for presentation to the Association at each of its official meetings and an operating budget at the fall meeting. The spring financial report will be submitted with the Annual State Activity Report to AACTE. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing conference registrations and for filing the necessary paperwork with the IRS to maintain tax-exempt status.

Section 5. The FACTE Executive Director will support the Executive Committee’s efforts to carry out the mission of FACTE and provide stability and continuity to the association’s activities. The FACTE Executive Director will be appointed by the Executive Committee and will be evaluated annually.

Article VI – The Executive Committee and Other Committees
Section 1. Functions. The Executive Committee is empowered to act on matters pertaining to the Association in between the regular meetings of the Association. A majority vote will hold. The membership shall be informed by the President of all actions taken by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the verification of eligibility for membership and shall maintain a list of all members and current institutional representatives. The Executive Committee shall appoint a Nominating Committee of members whose responsibility is to prepare a slate of candidates for all vacant elected offices. Ad Hoc Committees may be appointed as needed.

The following standing committees will represent the Association:

• • Professional Development- responsible for assisting the President Elect in planning and coordinating conferences and workshops; and
  • Policy Issues – responsible for establishing, communicating, and sustaining a policy agenda that supports quality, initial preparation, and continuing professional development of educators.

The terms of office for committee members shall be for two years. Each incoming president shall appoint standing committee chairs and the Executive Committee will confirm committee members.

Article VII – Dues
Section 1. Annual dues for the forthcoming year are to be determined by the Executive Committee. The dues are payable October 1.

Section 2. Institutions that have not paid the annual dues by June 30 of the subsequent year will lose voting rights and other privileges of membership. Restoration to full membership may be obtained by paying the amount in arrears within one year of losing privileges of membership. After this time, membership will be forfeited.
Section 3. No person may serve as an officer of the Association or as a member of the Executive Committee if the institution at which s/he is employed has dues outstanding.

Section 4. General Fund. The General Fund of the Association shall consist of the income from the receipt of dues from members and any other income which may accrue to the Association.

Article VIII – Quorum
A quorum of institutional representatives shall consist of one third of the voting institutional representatives.

Revisions approved by the membership on March 14, 2011, October 21, 2011, October 15, 2020, and April 8. 2022.

FACTE, through its websites www.facte.info, www.floridafacte.org, and any others we control (our websites) is committed to keeping any and all personal information collected of those individuals that visit our website and make use of our online facilities and services accurate, confidential, secure and private. Our privacy policy has been designed and created to ensure those affiliated with FACTE of our commitment and realization of our obligation not only to meet but to exceed most existing privacy standards.
THEREFORE, this Privacy Policy Agreement shall apply to our websites, and thus it shall govern any and all data collection and usage thereof. Through the use of our websites you are herein consenting to the following data procedures expressed within this agreement.

Collection of Information
This website collects various types of information, such as:
• Voluntarily provided information which may include your name, address, email address, phone number, billing and/or credit card information etc., which may be used when you purchase products and/or services and to deliver the services you have requested.
• Information automatically collected when visiting our website, which may include cookies, third party tracking technologies and server logs.
Please rest assured that this site shall only collect personal information that you knowingly and willingly provide by way of surveys, completed membership forms, and emails. It is the intent of this site to use personal information only for the purpose for which it was requested and any additional uses specifically provided on this site.
FACTE may have the occasion to collect anonymous demographic information, such as age, gender, household income, political affiliation, race and religion at a later time. We may also gather information about the type of browser you are using, IP address or type of operating system to assist us in providing and maintaining superior quality service.
It is highly recommended and suggested that you review the privacy policies and statements of any website you choose to use or frequent as a means to better understand the way in which other websites garner, make use of and share information collected.

Use of Information Collected
FACTE may collect and may make use of personal information to assist in the operation of our website and to ensure delivery of the services you need and request. At times, we may find it necessary to use personally identifiable information as a means to keep you informed of other possible products and/or services that may be available to you from FACTE. FACTE may also be in contact with you with regards to completing surveys and/or research questionnaires related to your opinion of current or potential future services that may be offered.
FACTE does not now, nor will it in the future, sell, rent or lease any of our customer lists and/or names to any third parties. FACTE may deem it necessary to follow websites and/or pages that our users may frequent in an effort to gleam what types of services and/or products may be the most popular to customers or the general public.
FACTE may disclose your personal information, without prior notice to you, only if required to do so in accordance with applicable laws and/or in a good faith belief that such action is deemed necessary or is required in an effort to:
• Remain in conformance with any decrees, laws and/or statutes or in an effort to comply with any process which may be served upon FACTE and/or our website;
• Maintain, safeguard and/or preserve all the rights and/or property of FACTE; and
• Perform under demanding conditions in an effort to safeguard the personal safety of users of our websites and/or the general public.

Children Under Age of 13
FACTE does not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen (13) without verifiable parental consent. If it is determined that such information has been inadvertently collected on anyone under the age of thirteen (13), we shall immediately take the necessary steps to ensure that such information is deleted from our system’s database. Anyone under the age of thirteen (13) must seek and obtain parent or guardian permission to use this website.

Unsubscribe or Opt-Out
All users and/or visitors to our website have the option to discontinue receiving communication from us and/or reserve the right to discontinue receiving communications by way of email or newsletters. To discontinue or unsubscribe to our website please send an email that you wish to unsubscribe to admin@floridafacte.org. If you wish to unsubscribe or opt-out from any third party websites, you must go to that specific website to unsubscribe and/or opt-out.

Links to Other Web Sites
Our website does contain links to affiliate and other websites. FACTE does not claim nor accept responsibility for any privacy policies, practices and/or procedures of other such websites. Therefore, we encourage all users and visitors to be aware when they leave our website and to read the privacy statements of each and every website that collects personally identifiable information. The aforementioned Privacy Policy Agreement applies only and solely to the information collected by our website.

Security
FACTE, shall endeavor and shall take precautions to maintain adequate physical, procedural and technical security with respect to our offices and information storage facilities so as to prevent any loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure or modification of the user’s personal information under our control.

Changes to Privacy Policy Agreement
FACTE reserves the right to update and/or change the terms of our privacy policy, and as such we will post those changes to our website homepage at www.floridafacte.org so that our users and/or visitors are always aware of the type of information we collect, how it will be used, and under what circumstances, if any, we may disclose such information. If at any point in time FACTE decides to make use of any personally identifiable information on file, in a manner vastly different from that which was stated when this information was initially collected, the user or users shall be promptly notified by email. Users at that time shall have the option as to whether or not to permit the use of their information in this separate manner.

Acceptance of Terms
Through the use of this website, you are hereby accepting the terms and conditions stipulated within the aforementioned Privacy Policy Agreement and our Terms of Service. If you are not in agreement with our terms and conditions, then you should refrain from further use of our sites. In addition, your continued use of our website following the posting of any updates or changes to our terms and conditions shall mean that you are in agreement and acceptance of such changes.

How to Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Privacy Policy Agreement related to our website, please feel free to contact us at admin@floridafacte.org.