Teacher education accredited

UD's professional education unit receives NCATE accreditation

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10:22 a.m., May 30, 2012--Studies show that teacher quality is the most important factor in PK-12 student achievement. But how do we know that our children’s teachers enter the classroom ready to help them learn? Professional accreditation is one way to assure the public that schools of education are graduating well-qualified teachers ready for today’s classrooms.

In April, the University of Delaware's professional education unit was granted accreditation for their initial teacher preparation and advanced preparation levels through the NCATE national accreditation process.  This accreditation indicates the professional education unit was once again able to meet the rigorous standards set forth by the professional education community. 

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Special congratulations were extended by the Unit Accreditation Board, citing no areas for improvement were necessary relative to any of the standards. 

Carol Vukelich, chair of the University Council on Teacher Education and director of the Delaware Center for Teacher Education, noted, “Few higher education institutions’ professional education units are rated as highly as UD’s.  Our success is a testament to the outstanding, collaborative work among our six colleges as we prepare educators to work with students in pre-kindergarten through secondary school.”

NCATE standards require teacher candidates to have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter that they plan to teach as well as the skills necessary to convey it so that students learn. The institution must have partnerships with P-12 schools that enable candidates to develop the skills necessary to help students learn. Candidates must be prepared to understand and work with diverse student populations and college and university faculty must model effective teaching practices and prepare candidates to meet new standards.

The Delaware Center for Teacher Education (DCTE) coordinates the work of UD’s professional educators on campus and works closely with teachers and administrators to carefully craft services that meet the particular needs of schools and school districts. The center helps students to explore their interests in teacher education and links the research and resources of the University with the professional development needs of the Delaware education community.

More about NCATE

The U. S. Department of Education recognizes NCATE as a specialized accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education. NCATE is composed of more than 30 professional and policymaker organizations representing millions of Americans committed to quality teaching. It was founded in 1954 by the teaching profession and the states. NCATE continues its mission today: the profession and the states working together for excellence in teacher preparation and development.

Article by Alison Burris

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