Presbyterian College was recently notified that the College’s Education Department received accreditation for seven more years under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards. The department has maintained NCATE accreditation since 2001. NCATE’s performance-based accreditation system for teacher preparation ensures that teacher candidates are prepared to make a difference in P-12 student learning.

“We are extremely proud of this recognition,” said Dr. Elizabeth Lilly, associate professor and chair of the education department. “Our teacher preparation program builds upon a foundation of strong liberal arts coursework and combines in-depth knowledge of theory with practice, giving candidates the opportunity to engage in extensive classroom experiences in area partnership schools, insuring strong preparation for success. Maintaining this accreditation furthers Presbyterian College’s ongoing efforts toward excellence in preparing future teachers.”

Providers accredited under NCATE standards, as well as those accredited under the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) Quality Principles, are now served by the single specialized accreditation system for educator preparation in the United States, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). More than 900 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP accreditation system.

“The Education Department is to be commended for this accomplishment,” said Provost Dr. Don Raber. “Our teacher candidates are well-prepared to meet the needs of a diverse P-12 student population.”

For more information about CAEP, visit www.caepnet.org.