The AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) recently announced that a Clemson University faculty member in the College of Education will receive one of its most prestigious awards. Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford will receive the 2026 AACTE Gloria J. Ladson-Billings Outstanding Book Award during AACTE’s February 2026 conference.
The award, named in honor of the prominent American pedagogical theorist and teacher educator Ladson-Billings, recognizes an author or book that significantly contributes to the knowledge base of educator preparation. Hinnant-Crawford’s book, “Improvement Science in Education: A Primer, Second Edition,” was honored for its significant impact on educator preparation and continuous improvement practices.
“This volume has become a foundational resource for preparation programs seeking to build coherent, equity-centered systems for improvement,” said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., AACTE president and CEO. “Dr. Hinnant-Crawford’s work equips educators with practical tools for real-world change. We are delighted to recognize her exceptional contribution to the field.”
“This book speaks directly to the heart of educator preparation — it challenges assumptions, offers a bold reorientation of how we think about improvement, and provides educators with accessible, actionable tools,” said Kristin Gehsmann, Ed.D., dean of the College of Education at Clemson University. “Dr. Hinnant-Crawford’s scholarship raises the standard for what it means to prepare teachers and leaders for transformative work. AACTE’s decision to honor her book underscores how urgently we need scholarship that links research and real-world practice.”
The award will be presented to Hinnant-Crawford at AACTE 2026 on February 20 in New Orleans.
