Advancing its intentional strategy to meet members where they are, NATA is pleased to announce the AT EducATionalist Community. The dynamic and progressive evolution of athletic training provides unique opportunities and challenges for the numerous settings in which ATs are employed. Diversity in thought and representation of various perspectives throughout the athletic training profession are critical to addressing the possibilities of tomorrow and exploring innovative ways to improve patient care. This can be accomplished by remaining sensitive to serving specific setting areas.
NATA’s commitment to serving the unique needs of all members, particularly those in higher education, can already be found in resources such as the Athletic Training Educators‘ Conference and the Athletic Training Education Journal. Further evidence of this commitment is the development of the Professional Interest Sections, the Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine and the Council on Practice Advancement.
In the ongoing drive to target and meet our members in the areas where they serve, in a more sophisticated way, NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, and the NATA Board of Directors directed the formation of a work group to develop a two-way communication membership structure that represents the needs and voice of AT educationalists.
The AT EducATionalist Community is being developed to encourage diversity in thought and reflect the voice of those whose primary professional responsibilities and interests center on athletic training education on many levels. AT EducATionalist Community will provide an opportunity for all involved in the various components of AT education – including pre-athletic training education, professional education, clinical education and post-professional education – to play an active role in shaping the future of AT education based on the best ideas from all across the country and abroad.
The AT EducATionalist Community will promote accessibility, inclusion, empowerment and innovation between all parties involved in the production and implementation of AT education by providing the structure and space for constructive and transparent discourse.
Membership in the AT EducATionalist Community will be available to all NATA members who see themselves as educationalists and opt into joining. To get involved in the AT EducATionalist Community, we encourage you to join the conversation at gather.nata.org. Look for the “Athletic Training Educationalist” thread.
Download the AT EducATionalist Community Strategic Plan infographic.
