Galloway, N.J. —David Fuentes, dean of the Stockton University School of Education, has been named an Impact Academy fellow through national nonprofit organization Deans for Impact (DFI).

Fuentes, who started his role at Stockton on April 6, joins a cohort of 24 leaders chosen for their commitment to strengthening educator preparation and ensuring future teachers are prepared to meet the needs of all students.

"It is an honor to be selected as a 2026–27 Impact Academy Fellow with Deans for Impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to join a community of education leaders who are committed to strengthening educator preparation through research, collaboration and innovation,” Fuentes said.

Stockton’s School of Education offers four undergraduate teaching degree programs, two masters’ degree programs and an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership degree. The university also has a program providing an alternate route for those who desire to teach in New Jersey.

"At Stockton, our educator preparation programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms by combining strong academic foundations with practical, hands-on experience,” Fuentes said. “From our undergraduate and graduate degrees to our doctoral and alternate route pathways, we are committed to preparing educators who are adaptable, innovative and ready to make a meaningful impact on every student they serve."

Before joining Stockton, Fuentes was the Associate Dean of the College of Education at William Paterson University in Wayne. He is also a professor of Teacher Education and has extensive experience preparing primary and secondary educators.

Educator-preparation leaders navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, from emerging technologies like AI and new strategic staffing models to reading and math instructional policy shifts, tightening budgets, enrollment pressures and changing workforce needs. DFI supports this need through its Impact Academy fellowship, which has developed a national network of nearly 200 education deans and executive-level leaders who work within and beyond educator preparation to strengthen teaching and learning.

Fuentes is part of the fellowship's 11th cohort. This year's fellows include leaders from public and private universities, community colleges, national programs, school districts and innovative teacher-preparation pathways.

“This fellowship will provide valuable opportunities to learn from colleagues across the country, exchange promising practices, and bring new insights back to Stockton,” Fuentes said. “I look forward to advancing our shared commitment to preparing highly effective educators who are equipped to meet the needs of all learners and make a lasting impact in their communities."

Fellows will participate in in-person and virtual monthly cohort-based learning, receive 1:1 coaching from veteran leaders, and engage in peer consultancies focused on the field's most pressing challenges.

“Educator-preparation leaders are being asked to make important decisions in a moment of rapid change,” said Valerie Sakimura, CEO of DFI. “This cohort of leaders stands out for their willingness to engage in complexity with deep care for students, their learning, and their futures. We’re excited to support these leaders as they meet the moment and help ensure every student is taught by well-prepared teachers.”