Welcome from the AESIS Chairperson
The Academic Education Special Interest Section (AESIS) includes all who are interested in OT education, including educators, fieldwork educators, academic fieldwork coordinators, doctoral capstone coordinators, admissions persons, and students. Moving into this Fall semester, we have a number of opportunities from Practice Chats to Mentoring Programs, and our Communities of Practice. I hope that you will find something that provides you with expanded knowledge or just connecting with like-minded educators. Please explore what all the AESIS has to offer in the following pages!
Audrey Kane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Upcoming News & Events
Consider joining the Mentoring Programs below:
- New Educator Mentoring Program applications are open until August 29th, 2026. Check out the “Mentoring Programs” Page for the application and more information!
- Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Mentoring Program applications are open until September 4th, 2026. Check out the “Mentoring Programs” Page for the application and more information!
Upcoming Professional Development session:
Making OT Theory Meaningful: Teaching Strategies for Today’s Learners
Thursday, September 24
7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
This interactive discussion will explore innovative, learner-centered approaches to teaching occupational therapy theory using active learning and andragogical principles. Presenters will share the outcomes of a course redesign project and facilitate a conversation around practical strategies for making theory more engaging and meaningful for today’s OT students.
The session will be led by:
- Mackenzie Feldhacker, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
- Diana Feldhacker, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
Occupational therapy educators from all backgrounds are welcome to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and connect with colleagues who are passionate about occupational therapy education.
The registration link can be found here:
https://www.aota.org/events/calendar/aesis-practice-chat
We would love to have you join the conversation and hope to see you there!
More AESIS events are on the horizon! Check back soon!
Interested in publishing in our AESIS Practice Connections publication?
Come check out our Summer and Fall 2026 publication themes on our practice connections homepage
While you’re there, take a look at past AESIS Practice Connections articles as well!