ASU Teacher Education Programs Nationally Recognized

Angelo State University’s teacher preparation programs in the College of Education have been nationally recognized by their respective national standards organizations for their excellence in educating future teachers.

The ASU Department of Teacher Education’s Early Childhood through 6^th Grade program has been awarded Nationally Recognized status by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI.org). Also, the Early Childhood through 6^th Grade with Special Education program attained Nationally Recognized status from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC.sped.org).

The status designations are based on self-studies the ASU programs conducted to compare their preparation of teachers against the assessing organizations’ national standards. Upon attaining those national standards, programs receive the Nationally Recognized status.

Dr. John Miazga, dean of the College of Education, said, “Submission of the reports to these agencies is voluntary, and the results speak highly of the faculty and students in our educator preparation programs.”

According to Miazga, the Nationally Recognized status is a major accomplishment for both programs and will benefit ASU’s efforts toward re-accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly named the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) until its recent merger with the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) to form CAEP. ASU first received NCATE accreditation in 2011.

“Achieving national accreditation for the university,” said Miazga, “means our graduates meet a standard of excellence in teacher preparation that is recognized throughout the country. It also enhances the value of an ASU degree and the marketability of our graduates who enter the teaching profession.”

In addition to NCATE, ASU’s education programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the State Board for Educator Certification/Texas Education Agency.