The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, also called as AACTE, is a national voluntary association of higher education institutions and other organizations. The association promotes the learning of all PK-12 students by ensuring the highest quality preparation and continuing education for teachers and school leaders. The almost 800 institutions holding AACTE membership include private, state, and municipal colleges and universities located in every state. Additionally, AACTE has a growing number of affiliate members, including state departments of education, community colleges, educational laboratories and centers, and foreign institutions and organizations. Collectively, the AACTE membership prepares more than two-thirds of the new teachers entering schools each year in the United States. The association offers a wide range of products and services to members and others interested in teacher education. Some products include publications, tapes and CDs of AACTE events. AACTE has headquarters in Washington, D.C.