Randolph-Macon College Education Professor Amber Peacock is the recipient of the 2019 Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teaching Education (AILACTE) Scholar Award. The award is given to a faculty member at an AILACTE institution to conduct research related to the impact of teacher preparation.

“Receiving the award is an honor,” says Peacock, who will be presented the award at the AILACTE Annual Meeting and Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on February 21, 2019.

A New Theoretical Framework
Prior to receiving the award, Peacock, supported by a Randolph-Macon College Craigie Grant, researched the development of a new theoretical framework that articulates the features and worth of liberal arts teacher education. The model demonstrates the complexities of teaching and the professional discernment required to do it well.

The AILACTE award will give Peacock the opportunity to continue her research, and to invite other liberal arts teacher educators from institutions across the country to participate in it.

“The AILACTE reviewers are leaders in liberal arts teacher education; that they saw value in my theoretical model encourages me to ask hard questions and write about the complexities of teaching and teacher education,” she says.

Liberal Arts + Teacher Preparation
Peacock says that, although teachers play a profoundly important role in society, their job is often misunderstood.

“My research helps us tell our story to prospective teachers and teach our craft to teacher candidates,” she says. “Teacher candidates should be stirred to think, question fundamental assumptions, and gain new perspectives so that they are prepared to intelligently navigate the enduring tensions of teaching. I believe teacher preparation is at its best when framed in the liberal arts from start to finish.”

International Conference Speaker
Peacock was also an invited speaker at the Hawaii International Conference on Education (January 5-8, 2019), during which she presented “Using Essential Questions, Fiction, and Field Experiences to Develop Pedagogical Tact in Preservice Teachers.”

“Conferences are opportunities to meet with colleagues from around the world about the disciplines and research we are passionate about,” she says. “I am thankful Randolph-Macon is committed to supporting these professional development opportunities. While I was there, I met with academics from France, Japan, Canada, and the United States to share ideas, review research, and learn about new initiatives in education.”

Amber Peacock
Peacock earned her B.A. and M.S. from Texas Tech University. She earned her M.Ed. from James Madison University and her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University. She joined the RMC faculty in 2013.