Dr. Judy Beck named 2026 National Faculty Fellow by Association of Teacher Educators

The Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) has named Dr. Judy Beck, professor in the School of Education at University of South Carolina Aiken, as its 2026 Spring Faculty Fellow.

The national fellowship recognizes accomplished teacher-education leaders and engages them in advancing strategic initiatives that strengthen the organization and expand its impact.

“I am honored to be selected,” Beck said. “This role allows me to contribute to systems-level work that supports professional communities, cultivates leadership, and positions state and regional units for long-term success.”

ATE CEO Dr. Alisa Chapman said Beck’s collaborative leadership stood out. “Her work will help strengthen connections across our association and expand ATE’s impact in teacher education.”

As Faculty Fellow, Beck will help enhance communication, alignment, and collaboration between ATE’s national office and its state and regional units. Dr. Abbie Strunc, chair of the ATE Council of Unit Presidents, said her leadership will “strengthen unit voices and support meaningful collaboration.”

The fellowship is structured as a partnership among ATE, the fellow, and the fellow’s home institution—providing organizational insight for ATE, leadership development for the fellow, and national perspective for the institution.

“Dr. Beck is a distinguished educator whose leadership and service to teacher education in South Carolina and beyond exemplify the mission and goals of ATE,” said Dr. David Buckman, dean of USCA’s School of Education.  “She is a perfect fit for the ATE fellowship, and I know she will make a significant impact in classrooms across the nation.”

Beck has held numerous leadership roles in the South Carolina Association of Teacher Educators, including president, executive director, and treasurer. Dr. Jamia Thomas Richmond, the organization’s executive director, praised Beck’s mentorship of emerging educators and her long-standing commitment to advancing teacher education across the state.

A past ATE president, Beck helped establish the organization’s Advocacy Commission and has received a President’s Service Award from ATE along with five higher-education teaching excellence awards.

During her decade as dean at USCA, she led a successful accreditation review, launched an online master’s program in educator leadership, and supported development of a minority teacher recruitment initiative. Her current professional interests focus on advocacy and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in education.

Beck earned her doctorate and master’s degrees from University of Toledo and her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. Before entering higher education, she taught middle and high school in northwest Ohio and provided GED instruction for adult learners.

Founded in 1920, ATE is a national membership organization dedicated to improving teacher education through professional development, scholarship, leadership cultivation, and collaboration among PK–12 and higher-education partners.

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